Martha Ballard rides her difficult horse, Brutus, to the Foster parsonage because she has decided Rebecca Foster must hear from her that Joshua Burgess is dead. Martha dreads the visit because Burgess was one of the men Rebecca accused of attacking her in August, and Martha knows the news may bring both relief and fresh distress.

At the parsonage, Martha is shown in by Sally Pierce and finds Rebecca taking tea in the parlor. Martha notes the strained position of the Fosters, who still live in the town-owned parsonage even though Isaac Foster was dismissed as pastor and is now contesting that dismissal. While waiting, Martha notices a tin that smells strongly of savine and tansy, then confirms that the tea itself is ordinary.

Once they are alone, Martha asks where Isaac was the previous night before revealing the reason for her visit: Joshua Burgess was found in the river, and he had been hanged rather than drowned. The news sends Rebecca back into memories of the assault, and she recalls small details about Burgess with painful clarity. Martha tries to reassure Rebecca that Burgess can no longer hurt her, but Rebecca points out that Joseph North still can through denial and attacks on her reputation.

Martha promises that she will stand with Rebecca in court in Vassalboro and testify about what happened. Rebecca admits she is glad Burgess is dead and even says she hopes Isaac killed him, which startles Martha because an investigation is certain and suspicion could fall on Isaac. The two women sit together in silence after Martha warns Rebecca not to voice that wish openly.

As Martha prepares to leave, Rebecca reveals the chapter’s most serious development: she has not bled since July. Rebecca says the child cannot be Isaac’s because they have not shared a bed since before he left for Boston, and Isaac has not touched her since. Martha examines Rebecca’s abdomen, realizes Rebecca is indeed pregnant, and comforts her as Rebecca admits she does not know what to do.