Chapter 8 Summary

Ethan goes out to the barn. When he returns, he goes to his little library off the kitchen. He finds a note from Mattie telling him not to trouble himself. He feels too young to be stuck in his position. Ethan thinks of a man in the area who deserted his wife to go west with a younger woman. The wife has divorced him and sold the farm. Ethan starts a letter to Zeena, telling her he is leaving for good. The farm is mortgaged to the hilt, and Zeena will never look for work. He knows that at present he can't even put ten dollars together. The reality of it sinks in. He lays back on his makeshift day bed and cries.

Ethan awakes to see Mattie. She feels bad that he slept without heat all night. Ethan starts a new fire...