- In present day, when Mattie returns to her room after viewing Grace's body in July, she tries to sleep but can't, so she takes out another letter and reads it by the moonlight.
- This letter communicates Grace's desperation to hear from Chester (Carl) now that she is home, but he hasn't written at all.
- Mattie's concentration is interrupted by Ada, who asks if the letters are from Royal; Mattie says they are.
- In the next letter, which is less affectionate, Grace apologizes for making trouble for Chester, but then tells him her life is ruined.
- Mattie realizes that Grace is pregnant with Chester Gillette's baby… and then she realizes that she's the only person in the world who knows this truth.