It’s spring 1861, but there’s still frost and cold rain in Georgia, delaying the crops. Marse John’s conditioning is worsening. The “badly swollen and inflamed leg” (215) has become infected, creating the stench of rot in the study in which he rests. Missy Salina asks Old Doc if her husband will die. The doctor advises that he must have his leg amputated, though Marse John refuses. He then hurls a book at his wife, ordering her to leave the room. Missy Salina runs away in fright at his temper. Lillian sends a telegram to her brother, John Jr., in West Point.

The liquor that Marse John drinks loses its palliative effect. He feels the pain from his “gangrenous and rotting leg” (218), and the effect slowly drives him mad. Brother Ezekiel tells Vyry that he doubts Marse John will live past the next two weeks. One afternoon, Vyry enters Marse John’s study with a tray of hot broth, coffee, and soda crackers, none of which he consumes. He mentions his previous promise to set her free, insisting that he hasn’t forgotten. He gestures toward some papers beside his bed. Then, rising with a renewed strength, says that she won’t be free until he dies.