Daughters of the Dust

Sallie Lee hails from a well-respected family in Beaufort. As a young girl, she was sought after by every boy in Beaufort for her beauty. One day, she met Sugarnun and Willis George as they visited the mainland. Sallie Lee visited Dawtuh Island to watch Sugarnun singing. Initially doubtful, she was seduced by his charm, and they began a passionate affair. Sallie Lee fell in love with Sugarnun, but when she became pregnant, he vanished. The news of her pregnancy devastated her beloved father, who never spoke to her again before his death. Lost and alone, Sallie Lee accepted Willis George’s proposal. Willis George cared for her after her first child was stillborn and promised to provide for her as well as he could.

Sallie Lee is not cut out for the rigorous work that life on Dawtuh Island requires. She accepts her unhappiness as punishment for breaking her father’s heart. Although she doesn’t love Willis, she is grateful to him and has sworn to “do right by him” (134). Amelia and Elizabeth return home, where Lucy is patching Nana’s quilt. She shows them a strip of red satin and tells the story of its origin.