Part One: Chapter V, God's Will Hath No Why Summary and Analysis

Boots, mittens, and ski pants are in good use as winter sets in. The Captain cancels invitations, preferring to stay home. In March, a letter comes, announcing Princess Yvonne's arrival. Little Maria ventures to ask if the Princess is needed now that they have Maria. Maria is excited at meeting a princess, imagining her right "out of Grimm's Fairy Tales", classically beautiful and full of love for the children and their father. However, the lady who greets Maria is cold. Hedwig's joy over new ski pants and being able to join in boys games prompts the Princess to say that "Decent young ladies don't wear pants". All turn to Maria for support, but Maria knows it is not her place to speak.

Maria retreats to...