Chapter 2 Summary

A man lurks in the shadows outside a church. He is watching a dance go on inside. He watches a young man dancing with a pretty young woman. He is jealous. It is a very cold night, and there are horses and sleighs by the church to take people home after the social. Mattie, the young lady, comes out with Denis, the young man with whom she has been dancing. The man in the shadows is Ethan Frome. He has come to walk Mattie home. She works for his wife. Zeena Frome is a hypochondriac who thinks she needs help with the chores. Mattie stays with them for room and board only, so Zeena, as a way to keep her happy, encourages Mattie to socialize in town.

Mattie talks briefly with Denis and then declines his offer of a ride home. They discuss...