Summary

In Part III, “1874,” “Dearbhla, A Private Transaction, March 1874,” Dearbhla did not know who Papa was but had grown used to his presence. He established a pattern of coming and going, as he was “sure of his hold” over the home (127). Dearbhla grew worried when she saw him hitching up the wagon and taking Eliza and ConaLee away.

Dearbhla suspected Papa early on. When Bart’s horse appeared, she tried questioning Eliza about what had happened. Eliza insisted Papa would not return. However, he soon came back and started abusing Eliza again. Dearbhla told Eliza to pretend she was “senseless, mute,” in hopes that he would leave her alone (131).

Papa got Eliza pregnant with three children, the last two twins when she was still nursing Chap. Dearbhla started to give ConaLee an herb to stave off menstruation, fearing...