Summary

In Chapter 14, Maria and Willem sit on the step outside the house and talk. She is afraid to take him inside because she is not sure if Sophia is there. Sophia has dressed as if she were going out several times but then did not leave.

As they talk, Willem suggests that they get married, but Maria reminds him they have no money on which to live. He tells her that he has something planned and that she should just wait. Maria notices the shoots in the garden have begun pushing up through the soil and that spring has finally come. She believes she and Willem are the happiest people in the city.

In Chapter 15, Sophia hurries home from her love making with Jan. The sun is setting. She tries to get home without being seen, but Mrs. Mijtins, the wife of Sophia's...