Chapter 24 Summary

This chapter highlights the importance of the centrally located High-Place Hall, as both Lucetta and Elizabeth-Jane keep a close eye out the windows for Farfrae when Saturday's market begins. The two women go to the market one day when a new piece of machinery, a seed drill, is being introduced to the crowd. Michael is also attending the demonstration, and he approaches Elizabeth-Jane. She "introduces" him to Lucetta, who asks about the seed drill. Michael reacts negatively, saying that the machine is doomed to fail. Elizabeth-Jane admonishes him with a look, and he slips away after muttering to Lucetta about her not agreeing to see him.

The two then meet up with Farfrae, and when Lucetta voices Michael's opinion that the seed drill is worthless Farfrae disagrees. He adds that the new equipment will change the way people farm. When Elizabeth-Jane notices that...