Book 2: Chapter 4 Summary

The chapter begins with the children and Jim teasing A'ntonia about making a cake for Charley. A knock is at the door, and when A'ntonia answers it, Lena Linguard is there. We learn that she has come to town to work as a dressmaker. Lena stays to visit a while, and A'ntonia is uncomfortable with bringing her in to sit with the Harlings. Lena tells of another girl, Tiny Soderball, who will be coming to town to work at the hotel in town. Mrs. Harling does not approve of such work for a girl and Frances invites Lena back should she get lonesome or need advice.

The reader learns that A'ntonia is uncomfortable with Lena's visit because of the gossip that used to be told about her in the country. Lena used to herd her father's cattle in the open country...