Chapter II Summary

The magistrate discovers a blind girl begging on the street for money on a cold winter day. Due to her injured ankles she carries sticks with her to be able to walk. He gives her money, being concerned about her health as well as attracted by her beauty. When she disappears for a while he inquires about her. He approaches her when seeing her back on the street, offering her cleaning work at his house as she is not allowed to ask for money in town, especially that winter is coming.

When he brings her to his house she feels unworthy of the work he offers her and leaves. He finds her back on the street begging and brings her to his house again. While he washes her and bandages her ankles, he inquires about her injuries. At first she refuses...