Chapters 13 - 15 Summary

Chapter 13: Venters watches Bess, now fully recovered, feeding the mockingbirds and quail she has tamed. Good health and happiness have filled out her form. No longer could she be mistaken for a boy in a mask. The day takes on the dream-like quality characteristic of all days in Surprise Valley. With no tools or work to be done, Bess and Venters indulge in a serene and meditative e11stence. In the stillness, Venters has found an awareness of something greater than himself. He knows he must visit Cottonwoods for supplies, but is loathe to let the real world intrude on his peace of mind. Today they take a wandering walk to explore their gorgeous valley home. At the cliff-dwellings, Bess sees the powdery bones of the ancients and realizes she does not want to live out her life in this secluded...