The neighbors still couldn't believe it. They never thought the reputably virtuous Mrs. Chapman would be so vicious to a little girl visiting from out of town. Everyone knew she favored boys over girls, and they were aware she wasn't particularly kind to her own granddaughter. But they didn't think much of it, since most of them felt the same way. Sons were essential for carrying on the family line, while daughters would eventually marry out anyway.
But Mrs. Chapman usually only ever scolded them. The neighbors had never seen her lay a hand on Amanda. Yet today, she had struck Phoebe's young niece. Not only that, but she'd also made the visiting girl do chores. That was just going too far.
"You didn't pinch her? Are you saying my sister pinched herself?" Patrick Thorne demanded icily.
Pearl lowered her head guiltily, but to the onlookers, it just looked like she was crying, making their hearts go out to her even more.
