Two years pass. Tom treasures the letter he received from George. Tom and Eva have grown even closer. Tom loves her “as something frail and earthly, yet almost worshipped her as something heavenly and divine” (379). Eva enjoys reading the Bible to Tom, especially the Book of Revelations.

The St. Clare’s retire to Augustine’s house on Lake Pontchartrain to escape the New Orleans heat. Eva predicts to Tom that she will be going to heaven before long. Tom reflects on how Eva’s health had deteriorated over the past six months, and how Ophelia had noticed a suspicious cough in Eva that she could not cure. Eva is dying. Ophelia is well acquainted with the symptoms of tuberculosis, but Augustine refuses to even entertain the idea.

Eva becomes increasingly worried about the fact that none of the servants have been taught to read. She wants them to be able to read the Bible.

Augustine’s brother, Alfred, visits, along with his son, Henrique. Augustine and Alfred are opposites in looks and opinions, but they are inseparable by their fraternal bond. Henrique is immediately enchanted by his cousin Eva.

Eva is horrified when she sees her cousin hit his servant, Dodo, in the face with his riding whip.