At another strained dinner, Hester worries about Richard's absence and wavers between believing and doubting Cordelia's tale of sorcery. Afterward in the parlor, the Squire announces from the doorway that Evangeline has consented to marry him. Hester is gutted by the speed of Doom's victory but, supported by Imogene's quick social grace, manages to feign delight rather than reveal what she knows.

Cordelia leaps up, giggling and prancing in a manner unlike herself, asking to call the Squire "Papa" and Hester "Auntie." Hester realizes with horror that Evangeline is making Cordelia obedient at this very moment, puppeteering her body while Cordelia's terrified eyes scream from within. Hester resolves not to tip her hand and plays along, knowing Evangeline can hear through Cordelia's ears.

Pleading faintness, Hester has Imogene help her upstairs and sends Cordelia ahead on an errand for a hot compress to escape her grip. On the landing, Imogene presses for an explanation; Hester promises to tell her everything later, admitting Cordelia is not simply her mother's creature in the way Imogene suspects.

In her room, Cordelia collapses as the obedience lifts, exhausted and humiliated by what her mother made her say. She despairs that Evangeline has won, but reasons that the engagement could still be broken if they find proof of sorcery and murder before the wedding. As she drifts toward sleep, a faint, unfamiliar voice whispers into her mind, asking if anyone is there and calling her by name. Terrified, Cordelia hides under the blankets and mentally screams for it to go away. The whispers stop, and by morning she has nearly forgotten them.