Part Two, Middles: Everybody Has a Story, December Days, Sisters, A Diary and a Train, Demolishing the Past, and Hester's Diary II, Summary

Margaret wakes to find Miss Winter at her bedside. Miss Winter explains that Margaret had a high fever, but the doctor has said she will be fine. Miss Winter apologizes for not knowing it was Margaret's birthday and asks when Margaret will share her story. Margaret denies having a story. Later, filled with guilt, Margaret writes a note to Aurelius asking for forgiveness. Dr. Clifton comes to visit Margaret and tells her she is suffering from a romantic collapse and that she will be fine. Margaret spends several more days in bed before returning to her work. When Miss Winter asks...