Chapters 9 & 10 Summary

Chapter 9

Charles's business at the mill slows, and he is home much more often than usual. This creates friction between him and Lottie. Despite his constant claims of being financially destitute, Lottie knows exactly how much they have in assets and she knows that they are far better off than many other families. Lottie and Betty hear Charles complain of being ruined and broke so often that they no longer notice.

Charles is determined that 1938 will be a good year financially, but Lottie tries to temper his expectations in order to avert later disappointment. She tells him that if none of his customers have money, he cannot expect to be paid.

When a boy is killed at the mill, Charles refuses to halt production. Everyone, including Lottie and Betty, see this as a callous act. When a sister of the victim comes to...