When Samantha awoke, she felt something wet on her forehead. She reached up and pulled away a damp rag someone had placed there. "You're awake. I thought you might sleep all day," Miss Brigham said.
Samantha sat up and found herself in a cottage like Prudence's, but instead of a loom there was only a desk on which sat a Bible three times larger than the one Prudence had shown her in the meadow. "Where am I?" she asked.
"You're in my house. I thought it best after what happened." Samantha thought back to what had happened. The other kids laughing at her. A hatred building inside her until she felt ready to explode. Kicking Helena twice until she fell down. Breaking Prudence's hand. Prudence, who was only trying to help.
Samantha tried to sit up, but Miss Brigham pressed her back down. "You shouldn't get out of bed yet, dear," Miss Brigham said. Miss Brigham went over to the desk and returned with a sandwich and glass of water.
"I'm not hungry," Samantha said.
"Nonsense. You need your strength."
"That doesn't seem to be a problem," Samantha said. Nevertheless, Samantha took a bite of the sandwich to appease Miss Brigham. "Is everyone all right?"
"The reverend is taking care of them. They'll mend nicely," Miss Brigham said. Samantha sighed with relief. She couldn't bear the thought of hurting someone, even Helena. Samantha thought back to the scene in the bedroom and the rage she'd felt. How could she have done something so terrible?
"I'm so sorry," Samantha said. "I don't know what happened to me. I didn't mean to hurt anyone." Her eyes watered, but she bit down on her trembling lip to keep from crying.
"I know you didn't, dear. But you must learn to control your temper if you want to remain here."
"I'll try harder," Samantha said. "I don't want to let you and Reverend Crane down. Is he mad at me?"
"No, dear, of course not. The reverend is disappointed. As am I. We had hoped giving you responsibility would help you find your place, but perhaps you aren't ready yet."
"I'm ready. I promise, I won't lose my temper again. I'll behave from now. Give me another chance, please." Samantha bolted upright until Miss Brigham put a hand on her shoulder.
"Don't worry, dear, you'll still be my assistant as the reverend promised. For now at least."
Samantha threw her arms around Miss Brigham. "Oh, thank you! I'm going to make you proud of me."
"I don't doubt it, dear," Miss Brigham said with a laugh. "Finish your lunch and then we'll see if you're up for a walk."