Chapters 17-20 Summary

In Chapter 17, Ann has moved back to her cave. The day began with a discussion of the fertilizer Ann planned to use on the field. Mr. Loomis warns her to make the chemical fertilizer last until they could switch to manure. That night, Mr. Loomis demands to sit at the kitchen table for dinner. Afterward, Mr. Loomis makes Ann read to him from her book of poetry. Ann was puzzled, however, by the fact that Mr. Loomis did not appear to listen.

In Chapter 18, Ann plays the piano for Mr. Loomis but is frightened when he hits his cane on the floor. The next night, Mr. Loomis does not ask Ann to read or play the piano, so she goes for a walk with Faro. When Ann returns to the house, she sees Mr. Loomis walking in the yard without his...