Mr. Waters tells James that he’s leaving, but James, ignorant of the man’s predatory behavior, pleads with him to stay. James must leave again for business, and with Martha incapacitated, he wants to make sure that there’s a firm male presence in Marshall’s life. James tells Mr. Waters that if he’s “willing to stay, I give you full authority to use whatever measures you feel necessary to guide him” (78). Mr. Waters accepts and stays.

Lavinia happily falls into the routine of caring for baby Campbell. Although the doctor prescribed a heavy dose of laudanum for Martha, James tells Mama Mae to gradually wean her off them. Once James is gone, Marshall asks his mother if she can send him away for school rather than allowing Mr. Waters to be his tutor. When she begins asking questions, he becomes defensive and swings at her. She falls into a table, and it’s clear that Marshall doesn’t have anyone to turn to for help.

On hog killing day, a celebratory day when the plantation slaughters its hogs and meat is plentiful, Lavinia finds Marshall in the outhouse. Mr. Waters has just sexually and physically abused him, and he is conscious but unresponsive.