David and Christy ride out to visit a distant church at Lufty Branch. While crossing a creek, Christy’s horse stumbles, causing her to fall into the water. They seek refuge at Doctor MacNeill’s cabin, where he provides dry clothes—women’s clothes that neatly match Christy’s size, though not a perfect fit for the current weather. To retrieve them, Doctor MacNeill enters a locked portion of the cabin, a secret room that is the subject of much speculation among the mountain folk. David decides to proceed to the church alone, leaving Christy with the doctor.

Initially uneasy, Christy seizes the opportunity to discuss the death of the McHone baby. She has borne some resentment against the doctor for not being quicker to arrive at the McHone cabin and for allowing such dangerous superstitions, including the one that led to the baby’s death, to persist. She is initially put off by his slow, measured responses, apparently unruffled by her indignation, but she gradually begins to see the depth of his experience with these people.

Doctor MacNeill tries to explain the stubborn beliefs of the Cove’s residents, acknowledging the challenges in gaining their trust. He also shares insights into local feuds and grudges, including the Taylor-Allen feud.