Chapter 3, The Midwife Summary

The midwife, Jane, is a stern woman who has earned her position in the village because of her strong, clean hands and the fact that she has had six children of her own, though none of them have lived. Beetle refers to the woman as Jane Sharp because of her pointed nose and sharp features.

As Beetle works for Jane she begins to learn the dealings of the midwife and the gruff way she deals with expectant mothers, refusing to help where there is not a payment worthy of her services. Though the villagers do not like the midwife's greedy ways, they need her, so her attitude is tolerated. Beetle is not necessary to the villagers, so she is teased and tormented while she goes about the chores assigned by Jane.

Beetle is not allowed to assist in the...