Chapters 25, 26 and 27 Summary

Miss Ophelia's challenges continue with the education of the slave girl, Topsy, who continues to sneak around the house and steal items from bedchambers. One day Miss Ophelia reaches her tolerance level when she realizes that Topsy has cut up one of her bonnets to make doll clothes. Marie self-righteously re-states her position that Negroes must be dealt with severely, but Augustine still maintains that kindness will ultimately prevail, and asks Miss Ophelia to employ her Christian beliefs in the ongoing management of Topsy.

Eva tries to intervene to mitigate the angst surrounding Topsy's presence in the household and questions the slave girl about her past in an attempt to understand her better. Topsy has no recollection of any family, or of any kindness shown to her, until Eva shows compassion and tells Topsy of the love to be found forever...