In chapter 4, when Lyddie is working at the tavern, Charlie surprises her by showing up for a visit. The two meet in the kitchen, and the cook and Willie are there as well; Mistress Cutler might be coming in and out at any moment, too. Because there is no privacy, the conversation is particularly awkward. Lyddie says kind things to Charlie that aren't true, such as that he looks like he's grown. She notices that he has a better hair cut than he used to receive from her, and that bothers her. Charlie hasn't been home, nor has he heard from their mother, but he has seen their neighbor Luke, who has been checking on the house for them. Lyddie doesn't like to hear of anyone having climbed into their cabin through the window, even if it was Luke and he was doing it to help them. Lyddie is distressed that Charlie looks so thin and that he hasn't grown much. She wants to discuss their personal situations with him, but she can't really talk about anything that matters. After Charlie leaves, Lyddie thinks of many things she wishes she had talked to him about. His visit leaves her feeling lonelier than ever.
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