Summary

This section of the novel is again comprised of letters. The first letter is dated June 25, 1844, from Martha to Robert. Martha condenses the events of the years following Robert's and Sadie's deaths. The children ate what the family had already harvested that first year, but the children were not able to manage the farm as well the second year. Some neighbors pitched in, including the Days. John Chapman heard the news on one of his visits, and has never returned again. One of their older brothers, Nathan, died of the fever. Sal moved to Toledo and is living a disreputable life. After that, Martha went to live with the Days. They have provided for her. Martha got Robert's letter because Hattie Day happened to see it at the post office on a trip to town.

The next letter is dated...