Tom’s death brings a sense of gloom to the Cove, and the mission staff—David in particular—are disheartened. Miss Alice adjusts her schedule to remain in Cutter Gap and console David, encouraging him to continue in the real work of the mission: touching hearts with the love of God. They agree on the necessity of confronting evil, but Miss Alice encourages David not to focus solely on changing external behaviors but to preach so clearly about spiritual truths that people’s hearts are transformed.

David is still uncertain about his calling to ministry in the long term, and he confides some of his feelings in Christy. He also surprises her with a proposal of marriage but insists that she think about it and not answer right away. Christy is flattered and feels warmly toward David, but there is always a hint of uncertainty in his convictions, both about faith and romantic love, that unsettles her.

Fairlight continues her reading lessons, and her friendship with Christy deepens and blossoms. Together, they cherish moments in the woods and mountains, and Fairlight opens her eyes in a new way to the beauty of nature and the rhythms of mountain life. Meanwhile, Christy contemplates David's proposal and his growing affection for her, all while still wrestling with the crisis of faith that Doctor MacNeill’s