Summary

In “Spores,” it is the first day of the new year. Nella is planning on going to Johannes’s warehouse disguised as a maid. Nella is shocked by the vastness of the warehouse, and by the incredible amount of sugar contained within. Nella realizes how imperative is that this sugar sells. Though Johannes has given Nella a list of potential buyers, Nella realizes an even better client: the bakers Hannah and Arnoud.

In “Stadhuis,” Nella visits Johannes in the Stadhuis prison. She is hopeful and full of ideas during the visit, believing that she will be able to solve the family’s financial and legal woes. Johannes, however, seems exhausted from life and physically abused. Despite Nella’s resolution, Johannes does not believe that any amount of money or persuasion could change his circumstances.

In “Verkeerspel,” Nella returns home...