Hope Leslie, or Early Times in the Massachusetts

It is revealed that Sir Philip followed Hope to the meeting in the cemetery. He had hoped to use what he learned to gain favor with her and the Governor. Unfortunately for Hope, her meeting with Magawisca coincided with a lie told to the Governor by a renegade Indian. He told the Governor exaggerated tales of the Indians massing against the whites, and of their venomous hostility. This is why Magawisca was treated so harshly when appearing before them as a prisoner. Hope succumbs to a delirious fever and is unconscious for days. All fear for her life. Esther stays by her side nearly the entire time, pondering Everell’s feelings for each of them. When Hope regains consciousness, Esther is overjoyed.

Sir Philip visits Magawisca in jail. He attempts to poison her against Everell, saying that if he truly cared about her, he would come rescue her. He shows her a rope ladder, file, and wrench, promising he will help her escape, on certain conditions. He wants her to take Roslin away with her on a boat. Magawisca refuses, saying she will not make her heart as black as his. Philip then visits Morton, who is in the same jail. After unlocking the door, he is grabbed and detained by Morton. Magawisca hears their struggle from her cell. Then she hears Everell and Digby speaking beneath her window. She is thrilled: Everell is true to her and is working to remove the bars to her window. But he has to leave before he finishes for fear of being discovered. She rings the bell, alerting Barnaby, the jailkeeper, to Sir Philip’s plight.

Philip curses him for falling asleep at his post, and swears to have revenge on Magawisca, who delayed ringing the bell while knowing how much danger he was in. The chapter closes with a brief description of Roslin’s upbringing. 

The attempt on the prison is big news the next day. The Governor moves Magawisca from the upper apartment of the jail into the basement dungeon. However, given the public fears of the Indians, he does not make the information that the prisoner is an Indian public. Though he suspects that Everell might have been involved, he does not tell anyone of his suspicions.

Two days later, Hope is well enough to take her dinner in the parlor with the family. They talk about Faith, who is adjusting poorly to her new life back in the house. She paces her room endlessly and shows no interest in jewels, conversation, or the affairs of the home. Faith sits at the table without speaking or paying attention. The shell necklace Faith insists on wearing embarrasses Aunt Grafton. Hope notices that she is wearing a crucifix near the necklace, and draws attention away from it. If the family learns that Faith is now Catholic, it will be even worse for her.

Hope tells the story of her meeting in the cemetery, but does not bring Magawisca’s name into it, out of respect for Faith. She apologizes for her conduct and is forgiven by all. However, she speaks out against Sir Philip, to Governor Winthrop’s disapproval. Winthrop says that Philip deserves her praise and thanks, not her scorn. After dinner, she follows Winthrop to his study and asks that he spare Magawisca the next day, when she is to be tried, and perhaps sentenced to death. He says that he cannot grant her a pardon, particularly when public sentiment is so fearful towards the Indians.

Later, Esther enters a room that Hope is in and begins sobbing. Esther says that Hope has wronged her grievously, but will not elaborate. Hope is confused and heartbroken. Esther tells her Everell has enlisted her to help Magawisca with an escape attempt, perhaps the next night. She reveals that Governor Winthrop has allowed her to visit Magawisca every day to try and convert her to Christianity that the court might be merciful to her and overlook her past actions. Esther remembers how vigorously she argued with Everell, saying that there were unjust aspects to helping Magawisca escape, even if she did not bear the responsibility for all of the results of her actions and even though she acts with good intentions. 

On the day of the trial, Magawisca enters accompanied by a man unfamiliar to Everell. He is told that the man is Mr. Eliot, “the apostle of New England” and Magawisca’s attorney. Magawisca moves through the courtroom with dignity and grace before sitting in the prisoner’s bar. After Eliot’s opening statement in her defense, Winthrop stands and outlines the charges against her, but he obviously has good feelings towards her plight as well. Sir Philip takes the stand and tells of his involvement in the situation. He is desperate to keep Magawisca from revealing their conversation in the prison. Roslin enters and gives him a packet of letters. He tells the court about the conversation he overheard in the churchyard between Magawisca and Hope. He claims to have seen Magawisca casting spells and doing the Devil’s work, which palpably turns the sentiment of the court against her.

In her own defense, Magawisca says they have the right to slay her, but not to judge her. She is obviously not afraid to die. Then she holds up a crucifix and says that Philip dropped it the night he visited her in the prison. Philip protests, but the Governor encourages her to speak freely. She agrees, but says that first Roslin must be removed from the courtroom. Philip kicks Roslin and orders him to leave, revealing that Roslin is a girl, Rosa, disguised as a page. In light of these events, the Governor suspends the trial for one month. Magawisca says she would prefer death, but eventually she is led back to her cell.