The Little Friend

Edie drives Harriet to church camp in her old car, which she refuses to replace despite Roy Dial’s constant efforts to sell her new models. Edie laments how people in Mississippi used to be truly hospitable, but now they’re not. Meanwhile, Harriet panics about the possibility of her and Hely getting caught for the snake-throwing incident. As soon as Harriet sees the camp, she begs Edie to take her home, but Edie refuses. The Vances enthusiastically greet Harriet.

Farish tries to figure out who could have done this to Gum. He and Danny assume the snake that bit her was one of Loyal’s, but Loyal and Eugene probably weren’t behind the attack. Danny thinks the girl who alerted them about the vandalized truck at the Mission is suspicious.

Allison cries while Ida finishes housework. She takes money that she received for Christmas and goes to the grocery store to buy various items for Ida. She goes home to wrap the presents, but her mother asks her to watch TV with her. Allison dislikes being alone with Charlotte because she can tell her presence only reminds Charlotte of Robin’s absence. This makes Harriet’s absence and Ida’s impending departure even more difficult for Allison.