The Address

Sara awakens to the sound of footsteps outside her door, and she finds a strange man there. Mrs. Haines saw him emerge from Daisy’s room. When his voice becomes menacing, Sara remembers Mr. Ainsworth and her old boss, both men who “enjoyed wielding power” over women (69). Sara grabs a fireplace poker and chases the man away. Sara and Mrs. Haines comfort Daisy, who says he pushed into her room but was there for only a minute. The next morning, Mr. Camden gently questions Daisy, prompting Sara to wish someone had been so tender with her after her encounter with Mr. Ainsworth. Mr. Camden reminds Sara of their intended trip to town, and she tries not to feel too excited because a similar excitement almost “ruined” her years ago with Mr. Ainsworth. Sara has been wary of men since then but believes Mr. Camden is a gentleman, unlike her former employer’s husband.

As they ride, Mr. Camden shows Sara some ostentatious homes belonging to New York’s elite. He asks what kind of home she’d like, and she imagines a country cottage with a garden. He promises to draw it for her. Mr. Camden anticipates the arrival of his family, though Sara worries their coming will put an end to their growing friendship.