Book 2, Part 9 Summary

As Doc Swain and the Sheriff rush to the Mackenzie home, they notice that nearby Marsh Hill is on fire. They continue on their mission, however, and discover that Selena has arrived at the Mackenzie home. As Doc oversees the removal of Nellie's body, he's confronted by Selena, who asks whether Nellie's knowledge of Lucas' doings was a factor in her death. Doc lies and says she had cancer, and immediately realizes that Selena knows he was lying. As Nellie's body is taken out of the house, Doc thinks to himself he has destroyed the entire Cross family. Doc notices the fire raging, and "entertain[s] the fanciful thought that perhaps the fire was a symbol. The purging of evil by fire, he thought, and laughed to himself."

Neither the Catholic nor Prostestant church want to allow Nellie to be buried...