The chapter is titled "Saints" and centers on a conversation between Madeline and a librarian as well as Madeline and a reverend.
Madeline is searching for the address of a boys' home in Iowa with a name that sounds like a girl's name.
The librarian believes they need more information, while the reverend suggests it might be named after a saint and could be in Sioux City.
The reverend explains that caregiver institutions are often named after saints because caring for children is difficult, and such caregivers are seen as saints.
Madeline is skeptical and challenges the reverend's views, while he mistakenly thinks she is looking for humor in Mad magazine.
Madeline reveals she's researching her family tree and mentions her father grew up in a boys' home.
It's suggested she look under "Saint Vincent" in the phone book, but then she's advised to try "All Saints" after not finding the original name.
The reverend contemplates the nature of his job, having to offer comforting lies, as demonstrated by a funeral anecdote.
Madeline tells the reverend her father is deceased and discusses missing someone she never met.
The reverend reflects on scientific doubt in God and his connection to a man named Calvin Evans, who had a significant impact on him during their correspondence.
Madeline eventually finds a listing for "All Saints Boys Home" but only an phone number is provided, prompting the reverend to offer to call for her.
The reverend struggles with the fact he'll have to lie about the call, and he also reflects on Calvin Evans, a man who meant a lot to him and whose funeral he officiated.
The reverend remembers Evans, a scientist who doubted religion but with whom he developed a close correspondence until a rift occurred over their fathers.
Madeline provides her deceased dad's name, "Calvin Evans," leaving the reverend shocked, recalling his own history with a Calvin Evans.
Madeline mentions her dad was a rower, and the reverend reminisces about the small turnout at Calvin Evans' funeral.
In the end, the reverend helps Madeline connect the phone number to the boys home with her father, and they share a secret.