Chapters 9 and 10 Summary

Chapter 9 - Ida recognizes the woman from the County Education Office as Miss Sedgwick, an official who has frequently come to the school to inspect its activities and who is also responsible for giving the grade eight exams. Miss Sedgwick, however, does not recognize Ida, who introduces herself as Miss Bidson and explains that she is filling in while Miss Fletcher is gone. Miss Sedgwick comments on how young she seems, and then asks how many students will be taking the grade eight exams. Tom introduces himself, Miss Sedgwick makes a note of him, and then prepares to leave. Tom quietly tells Ida that if Miss Sedgwick doesn't know about Ida in advance, she won't be able to take the exam. Ida calls after Miss Sedgwick and explains the truth of the situation. Miss Sedgwick asks whether the parents and/or...