Chapter 12 Summary

That night, Pieter, his Tante Sophie and a few others (Nella remains at home) again attended the dominee's church service. Pieter returns home and kisses Nella who bursts into tears. She tells Pieter that she is crying because he smiled at her. He thinks of their courtship, which was long and protracted. That night they sleep together and as they chat afterwards, he wants to tell her of his temptation, of his troubles… of everything, but he cannot.

Pieter, amazed that the thought should only just now occur to him, decides that he will confide in Kappie.

Chapter 12 Analysis

The knowledge that his father has never touched, nor desired, a woman other than his mother fills Pieter with a great sense of pride and love and even envy. That Pieter is different, an outcast, and that he envies those around him is a...