Summary

In Chapter 20, Eliza is invited to an event for the blacks of Portsmouth and learns that John is elected as one of the leaders for the group. Mr. Boylston signs the Association Test, which pledges his loyalty to the Americans. Robert refuses to sign. Robert learns that George died in a fire. The story circulates that he had left his ship to help his fellow officers, but Eliza learns that the building was actually a “house of ill repute, and that Cousin George had been a frequent patron of it” (171). Robert goes to New York but is not allowed to bring George's body home for burial. He sinks into a depression and Cassie becomes his near-constant companion. Eliza asks Cassie why she is so kind to Robert, and Cassie points out that Eliza has been in church and should know why. Eliza...