Summary

In “Eight Dolls,” Johannes sends Nella flowers in condolence for her loss of Peebo. She puts some of the flowers in her hair and debates whether or not she is truly happy that Johannes will never love her as man and wife. Cornelia brings Nella a new package from the miniaturist, which Nella opens to find contains dolls in the likenesses of herself, Marin, Johannes, Cornelia, Otto, Frans and Agnes Meerman, and Jack Philips. There is also a small version of Peebo. The note in the hand of Nella’s likeness says “Things Can Change” (167). Nella looks out her window and sees the woman with golden hair crossing the bridge. When she calls out to her, the woman disappears in the crowd.

The following chapter, “Written In Water,” begins with Nella heading to the miniaturist...