Chapter 11: Humaita Summary

Ella arrives at Humaita with her horse. Franco has given her a new piano that he seized from a nearby landowner. Frederick Masterman also arrives to inspect the field hospital. Most of the wounded are sick with cholera, measles or dysentery. The fort sits on the only high ground overlooking the river. It is well armed, with guns protecting both the land and river areas of the structure.

Ella thinks of leaving Franco and returning to France, but she realizes that she cannot abandon her lover. She does, however, make plans to ship some of her valuables to Paris for safe keeping - just in case. Franco's sisters have refused the proclamation that all Paraguayan women have to contribute their jewelry to the state. Rafaela tells Inocencia that she would rather eat her marriage ring from Saturnino before giving it up...