What is the outcome of Robert & Pinky?

The story concludes with Robert's preparations for his father's funeral. He finds that he has outgrown all his clothes and complains to God about poverty. A few neighbors arrive for the home funeral, a "day no pigs would die," since Papa is gone. Papa is laid out in the parlor but not for a viewing, of which Robert approves. Since Robert is the eldest son, he must say a few words about his father, which he does with elegance and confidence. The neighbors carry the box out to the grave and it is lowered into the ground, though the ropes are removed since burying ropes with a coffin is against Shaker tradition.

Robert shovels in the first two shovels of dirt but the neighbors fill in the rest. Faithful to Shaker tradition there is no headstone or marker. Returning to the house, the Tanners promise Robert any help he needs and Robert graciously thanks them. Mr. Tanner remarks that Robert sounds just like his father, and Robert says that he "aims to" be like his dad. He does the evening chores that night but cannot quite settle down to go into the house, so he finds himself walking in the orchard. He tells his father "goodnight" and thanks him for the years they had together.