Summer

Enraged at the idea that Lucius Harney has criticized her care of the library to its patron, Miss Hatchard, Charity blocks his attempted entry and advises him that the facility “[…] ain’t open to the public on Wednesdays” (23). Harney is confused when the young woman accuses him of having badmouthed her and surmises him to be in league with her detractors in North Dormer. He states that he merely advised Miss Hatchard that the building is in serious need of proper ventilation in order to prevent the books from mildewing and states, “‘You don’t really think that I’d do anything to hurt you?’” (25), noting Miss Hatchard’s tendency toward excitability.

Charity declares her intention to resign from her post rather than be fired; however, she advises that she wanted the job in order to save enough money to get away from the town. Harney persuades her to wait one more day before quitting in order to allow him time to determine whether the older woman actually intends to fire her. He notes, “‘You can trust me, you know—you really can’” (26). Charity agrees to wait before pursuing her plan.