Summary

Ruth begins Chapter seven terrified and distraught, yet caring for Mr. Bellingham skillfully and diligently until his mother arrives. As soon as Mrs. Bellingham reaches the inn though, Ruth is sent away to hide while Mrs. Bellingham’s team of servants and nurses take over. Ruth tries to get information about Mr. Bellingham’s health from the innkeeper but Mrs. Bellingham will not allow anyone but the staff she brought with her to enter the room. Ruth stays up all night watching and listening near Mr. Bellingham’s door, hoping to get a clue as to how he is doing. As usual, Ruth passes the night watching and listening to the natural world, sensing all of the agony she is experiencing reflected in the natural world around her.

In the morning, Ruth is waiting in the hallway to meet Mrs. Bellingham when she...