Upon arrival in Chicago, Dr. Archie tours boarding houses looking for a suitable place for Thea to live but finds nothing. Chicago is cold and dirty; Thea already feels overwhelmed by the city.

They visit Reverend Lars Larsen looking for a church job for Thea. She needs to make money to afford lessons with a renowned pianist, Andor Harsanyi. Mr. Larsen hires Thea to sing in his choir and at funerals. He finds a room for her to board with two widowed parishioners, Mrs. Lorch and her daughter, Mrs. Andersen.

Mrs. Lorch and Mrs. Andersen are both kind and welcoming to Thea. The house is outdated but safe, and Thea is well looked after. She develops a friendship with the women.

Andor Harsanyi knows that Thea is gifted, but her ignorance of the world and of music surprises him. Although her talent was nurtured in Moonstone, she was sheltered. Thea realizes her family and friends in Moonstone kept her ignorant. This frustrates her. She starts second-guessing herself at the piano and her identity as a musician.

Harsanyi tries to help Thea engage with the larger world of music. But when he offers her tickets to see concerts and operas, she always refuses.