Chapters 3 and 4 Summary

Chapter 3: Dagmar has an earache, and Mama's homespun medicines are not helping. Their doctor, Dr. Johnson, says the condition is serious and that they must operate. They go to the clinic hospital, as the regular hospital is too expensive. Dagmar is wheeled down the hall and Mama tries to go with her, but she is stopped, as hospital rules dictate non-patients are not admitted past the lobby.

Dr. Johnson performs the surgery, and says Dagmar is fine. Mama presses Dr. Johnson to see Dagmar, but it's against the rules. Mama is afraid Dagmar will wake in a strange place and be scared, but Dr. Johnson assures her the nurses are very comforting and well-trained.

Mama persists, asking the nurse permission to see Dagmar. When told "no visitors," Mama insists she is not a visitor to Dagmar, she is her mother, but...