The Ogress and the Orphans

The crow who found Cass in the woods (Harold) rushes back to the farm to tell the Ogress and others about the child. The Ogress abandons her deliveries to find Cass and bring her back to the house, where she tends to her fever. Harold curls up against Cass, who hugs him close, and he understands for the first time “what it meant to be truly happy” (193).

With Cass’s disappearance, the Orphan House is in complete disarray. Myron and the Matron continue to believe Cass was kidnapped, but Anthea is sure Cass left of her own free will. She realizes Cass’s actions might have been her saying goodbye and remembers she told Cass her fears about her birthday, and suddenly, Anthea feels “the weight of guilt and shame settle in the well of her belly” (197). Unsure what to do next, Anthea focuses on things she can accomplish, such as caring for the smaller kids and ensuring everyone eats.

Later, the cobbler arrives with the constable, who asks about Cass’s behavior of late. Anthea tries to explain that Cass had been acting strangely, but no one believes her.