Summary

In this section, a young thin woman enters the ward, saying she was sent by Sister Luke to aid Julia. She is 22-year-old Bridie Sweeney, who is not a nurse and totally uneducated. Julia accepts her, as she needs help. Julia asks if she has had the grippe before, as only those who have already had it, like Julia, are immune. Bridie says yes. She begins teaching her some basic practices. Bridie is kind with Ita, and Julia appreciates her bedside manner.

Julia goes to use the bathroom. On her way back, she looks out the window and sees an elegant woman in a lavish fur coat approach the hospital.

Back in the ward, Bridie and Julia discuss their contempt for the expectation that women must have 12 children to be good wives. Bridie is very happy to be in the hospital, amazed at...