On Sunday, January 3, Martha Ballard stays home instead of attending public worship because her family stopped going after Isaac Foster was removed as preacher. As Martha reads the Book of Common Prayer by the fire, she reflects on divine justice and hopes that the powerful will be cast down.

Hannah then tells Martha that Ellen Parker has come but wishes to speak privately at the gate. Outside, Martha finds Ellen visibly uneasy. Ellen asks to borrow a horse, and Martha quickly realizes Ellen wants secrecy because Seth Parker must not know where she is going.

Ellen finally explains that she needs to visit "the Negro woman," known locally as Doctor, who has returned to the area. Martha remembers hearing about Doctor’s arrival earlier and understands why Ellen would seek her out despite her husband’s disapproval. Because Martha does not object, she agrees to lend Ellen Bucket, an old but dependable horse, and sends Young Ephraim to prepare him.

Martha watches Ellen ride not toward the road but through the north pasture to the wooded path leading to Burnt Hill. This confirms that Ellen is indeed seeking Doctor in secret. The episode reveals both Ellen’s urgency and the quiet network of women who help one another when men or public opinion would interfere.

After Ellen departs, Martha reflects on Doctor’s reputation. Doctor is a highly skilled Black healer and midwife with a French accent, admired by many but feared or called a witch by others, including Seth Parker. Martha rejects that prejudice, notes Doctor’s importance to Hallowell, describes the town’s free Black residents, and explains that neighbors deliberately conceal Doctor’s presence so she will continue to come. Martha then returns indoors and records in her diary that Mrs. Parker borrowed their horse to visit Doctor.