Chapter 2 Summary

It takes nine days for the boat to make its way up the river to Wethersfield. During this time, Kit has a chance to observe her fellow passengers. She springs up a nice friendship with John Holbrook, who is a very studious young man, always involved with his books. Mr. and Mrs. Cruff are very harsh people and are very severe on their little daughter, Prudence. Prudence is a colorless and sad little girl, yet Kit is somehow drawn to the child. With the exception of John Holbrook, everyone else on the boat is very cold to her.

Kit is having a hard time understanding the somber New Englanders. She has been brought up in a very easy going and free atmosphere in Barbados. Her father has been born and raised on the island. When he is sent to England for school, he...