Chapter 40 Summary

Valancy walks into her mother's house to find her Uncle Benjamin, Cousin Stickles and mother staring at her. They realize something is wrong. Valancy tells he mother she is home because she isn't going to die. Valancy tells her family the whole story. Valancy is so naïve that she doesn't see what her Uncle is doing. Valancy goes to her room. Uncle Benjamin tells the women that he'll take care of everything.

Chapter 40 Analysis

In her own mind, Valancy compares herself to the Prodigal Son returning home. When Uncle Benjamin finds out that Barney is a Redfern, his whole attitude changes. He seems to be nice to Valancy so that he can help her to some of Barney's fortune. Uncle Benjamin changes his attitude and the way he tells stories about Barney to Mrs. Frederick after he finds out that Barney is...