The Sweetness of Water

The next day, Isabelle visits Mildred. Isabelle tells her that she went to Selby, a nearby town, to visit Prentiss. She brought fruit to Sheriff Hackstedde to persuade him to allow her to visit Prentiss to no avail. Mildred tells Isabelle that Wade Webler jokes about the allegations against his son. Mildred criticizes Isabelle’s decision to visit Prentiss but only because she knows how much war can affect the actions of the soldiers who have returned home. Mildred confesses that her own sons were ill-behaved upon their return and that they often bragged about killing other men. Isabelle is surprised by Mildred’s negative remarks and the revelation that she does not miss her deceased husband John. Mildred reveals a rumor that George is seeing a “woman of the evening” behind her back. Mildred confirms the woman’s identity when asked, and Isabelle asks her where she can find the woman.

Isabelle arrives at Clementine’s house, a dwelling in the poor section of Old Ox that resembles a cross between a house and a shack. Clementine coldly dismisses Isabelle saying that she does not know anyone’s husband. When Isabelle reveals that she is George’s wife, Clementine invites her in. Isabelle observes how luxurious the home appears in stark contrast to the outside appearance.