Summary

In “New Alphabet,” Cornelia wakes Nella, who does not realize she has fallen asleep. Cornelia helps Nella dress in a new ensemble purchased by Johannes. Though Nella’s mother sent Johannes the measurements, the dress is far too big.

Nella arrives at breakfast, where Johannes and Marin are already eating. Otto is helping Johannes with some business documents. Johannes and Marin talk to each other, but do not acknowledge Nella. They openly discuss business, about which Marin has a strict and religiously-observant attitude. The conversation becomes tense as topics turn to sugar and slavery. Nella thinks “souls and purses [...] these who are obsessed with souls and purses” (28). Eventually, both Johannes and Marin leave the room. Nella hears Marin pressing Johannes for details on his whereabouts and encourages him to be responsible to his new wife. Johannes ignores her and...