Chapter 4 Summary

After Matthew leaves for work, Rachel takes the leftover cornbread to a needy neighbor. The three cousins are left alone. Mercy and Judith are fascinated with Kit's clothes; they have never seen anything like them. Opening her trunks, Kit gives some garments to her cousins, as presents. Judith looks at the dress given her and wonders how William will react when he sees her at Prayer Meeting. Rachel returns home to finds the girls trying on clothes. She worries about the work that is being left undone. Kit convinces her to accept a bonnet as a present.

Matthew comes home early and is very angry at what is going on. Much to the girls' disappointment, he demands that all the clothes be returned to Kit. He considers the clothes flippant and sinful. Matthew warns Kit that, if she is to stay with them...