Sara settles into life at the Seminary, unaware of the Headmistress's antipathy towards her. Ermengarde St. John has trouble in French class, despite Sara's attempted help, and Lavinia leads Jessie and Gertrude in ridiculing her after class until Sara stops them. Lavinia begins planning her revenge. Sara sticks up for Ermengarde, who admits her lack of self-confidence. Now good friends, they want to visit Ermengarde's Aunt Eliza but the Headmistress's consent is required to leave the Seminary. Amelia is sympathetic to Ermengarde's predicament and explains to Sara that they must return before dusk (which Sara forgets). Sara and Ermengarde visit Aunt Eliza, and are astounded to find the Headmistress in a fury when they return.