Part 1: Chapter 16 Summary

Amy has been exiled to Aunt March's so she will not contract illness. The elderly woman tries to teach her young niece proper etiquette. She keeps Amy busy by polishing silver, dusting furniture, caring for her pets and doing lessons. Amy feels very sorry for herself.

Aunt March's maid, Esther, takes a liking to Amy. When the older woman is resting, Esther allows the girl to look at the beautiful things in the house as well as at Aunt March's jewelry. Amy covets the pretty things. When she learns that she and her sisters will inherit the jewelry after Aunt March dies, Amy decides she likes the old woman after all.

Esther encourages Amy to spend time in meditation and prayer each day and even helps Amy set up a small alter in a closet. She offers Amy a rosary, which...