Chapter 3 The Girl of Ashes Summary

Henrika's condition worsens and despite the best efforts of ministers, surgeons, and prayers, she dies and the baby does not survive. Clara attempts to resist leaving the house and only the threat of a beating draws her out. She seems more troubled by being out of the house and the unwanted guests than she is about her mother's passing. Henrika's death instills in Iris an appreciation and heightened sense of her own life. She becomes more observant of the other characters and their motives and feelings. She has a sudden and desperate urge to speak to Caspar. As she reaches him, Margarethe calls her to help in the kitchen and Caspar soon finds he has been enlisted to help as well. Cornelius has already removed Henrika's portrait and put Clara's in its stead. Iris and...