On Sunday, March 7, Martha Ballard gives Sarah White her second reading and writing lesson at the Ballard table. Sarah carefully writes her own name, her parents’ names, and Charlotte’s name, and Martha sees that Sarah has been practicing every night. Encouraged by the primer’s pictures and rhymes, Sarah reads aloud with growing confidence while Hannah and Dolly quietly support her and care for Charlotte.

Martha deliberately tries to stretch the lesson through midday because she hopes Sarah will stay for lunch and have a chance to see Cyrus. That plan fails when Hannah reports that Cyrus has already ridden off on an errand for Ephraim. Martha realizes her husband has interfered with her matchmaking, even though she believes Sarah would be welcomed and liked in their family.

After lunch, Sarah bundles herself and Charlotte for the journey home, and Jonathan takes them away on the wagon. Once they are gone, Martha confronts Ephraim by the fire. Ephraim admits he sent Cyrus away and argues that if anything is to happen between Cyrus and Sarah, it must be Sarah’s own choice rather than the result of Martha’s arranging.

The conversation shifts when Martha warns that Jonathan is not a suitable prospect for Sarah and says she suspects he has been sleeping with Sally. Martha fears Jonathan’s behavior will lead to trouble, and Ephraim is startled by the possibility. The exchange reveals Martha’s broader concern with the futures of the young people around her, not just her wish to see Sarah settled well.

At the end of the chapter, Ephraim draws Martha to the window. A dark bird flies out of the woods, circles the mill, and lands on the weathervane. The sight confirms that Percy is alive, ending the chapter with a small but important sign of survival and hope.