Summary

In Chapter 19, five years pass in peace and harmony. Ruth takes the job as governess to the youngest Bradshaw girls. Leonard grows into a little boy, cared for and doted on by Ruth, the Bensons, and Sally. When he begins telling harmless lies, the whole family is horrified, not understanding that this is a normal phase of childhood. After the family agonizes over what to do, Faith convinces Mr. Benson and Ruth that they must whip Leonard to teach him not to lie. Leonard is calm and ready to be whipped, but Sally reminds them that “it’s for them without sin to throw stones at a poor child,” and that they are all lying about Ruth being a widow. Leonard repents without the whipping and the whole family is determined to be better so that Leonard will grow up into a good...