Six years from that date she's been locked away in this cell. She carves the numbers '1655' next to her initials to commemorate the project. The spindle falls from her hand as the stark realization of how much time has passed in here comes to her. She drops to her knees, pressing her forehead to the cold ground. Six years of her life gone! Stolen by Reverend Crane.
The sound of the door opening and footsteps in the passageway send her scurrying back to the corner to hide. But as the footsteps approach, she lifts her head to listen closer. These aren't Pryde's heavy footsteps, but softer, more timid ones. At last, someone's come to rescue her!
Prudence rushes to the entrance of the cell. In the passageway is not Mr. Pryde, but a girl a year or two older than herself with long red hair like Prudence remembers from her dreams.
The girl's pale, freckled face splits in a smile when she sees Prudence. "You're looking none the worse for wear, dear," the girl says. "I thought by now you'd be a bag of bones, but there you are so healthy and robust. You're cheeks are so plump and rosy, I want to pinch them so badly. That would be terribly impolite of me, though."
Prudence clears her throat. Her voice is hoarse and scratchy as she asks, "Who are you?"
"Oh dear, where are my manners? Yes, I don't suppose you would remember me. Last time you saw me, I was little more than a baby. Here I am now almost a grown woman Reverend Crane says. I don't really feel like a grown woman yet, but then again I'm not sure how a grown woman is supposed to feel." The girl shakes her head. "At any rate, I am Molly Brigham."
"What do you want?"
"Now dear, there's no need to get angry. I know you've been in this place for an awfully long time, but that's no excuse to act like a savage." Miss Brigham stamped her foot with annoyance. "Reverend Crane sent me to retrieve you. He says he's finally forgiven you and wants to welcome you back into the flock."
"He forgives me? He put me down here! He locked me away in this terrible place for six years!" Prudence grabs Miss Brigham by the front of her white dress. "I don't want to be part of his flock. I don't ever want to see him again."
"Prudence, dear, please don't be angry with me. I know how awful this must have been for you. You must understand the reverend never meant to hurt you. He prayed for you every day. He loves you very much, but he had to keep you down here."