Part 4: Spring Summary

Ira has become frustrated with the cold weather that has kept him from visiting Abby Welles. This frustration is soothed on occasion with hard work and the sweet taste of maple syrup. As soon as it is warm enough, the Sargents tap the sugar maples on their property and boil it down to make the sweet syrup and hard candy. It is a treat that breaks the monotony of the winter rations. However, this treat does not take the men's thoughts from their lack of supplies and lack of money.

Soon after taping the sugar maples, the weather clears enough that Ira can go visit Abby. Ira takes Marguerite along so that she might show Abby how to make decorative stitches on the new dresses she is making. Abby shows off the pretty material Timmy brought back to her after his...