- Tashi’s parents are upset that she is growing a rebellious spirit because of her friendship with Olivia.
- Nettie asks if Tashi is lazy at home. Her parents say that Tashi works very hard.
- According to Tashi’s parents, the problem is that the girl isn’t actually internalizing anything they teach her. Nettie thinks to herself, "Aha. Tashi knows she is learning a way of life she will never live."
- Nettie tries to explain to the parents that the world is different now and that women can have a place in the world. However, Tashi’s father angrily insists that women always have a place— with their husband, father, or brother. Women like Nettie, who have no men, are pitied and looked down upon by the Olinka.
- Tashi’s father also doesn’t respect the missionaries. He said they’ll probably get sick and won’t last through the rainy season.
- Nettie says that African men remind her of Pa.
- Tashi’s father tells Nettie to send Tashi straight home if she shows up. He says that Olivia can come over to their hut and learn to be a woman.