Summary

“Part Three, December 1686” begins with the chapter “Stains,” in which the members of the household reckon with the aftermath of Jack’s visit. Nella puts Rezeki’s body in an empty grain sack. She wonders whether the reappearance of Jack’s doll was an omen. Indeed, Nella thinks Jack’s appearance was an omen itself of worse things to come. Cornelia is rattled by the dog’s death, and Otto fears that Jack will have him reported to the burgomasters.

After they have finished the cleaning, Nella returns to her room, where she finds a packet from the miniaturist. Inside, there is the verkeerspel board she ordered, and a note that says “Nella: the turnip cannot thrive in the tulip’s patch of soil” (207). Nella realizes she never actually delivered her letter to the miniaturist, and...