Chapter 10 Summary

The chapter begins with a narrative explanation of how Dick and Mary Turner became the subject of increasingly malicious, increasingly far fetched gossip over the years, some of which was started or repeated by Mrs. Slatter, fed up at always being dismissed by Mary. Charlie Slatter, however, continues to develop plans for what he'll do with Dick's land once he sells out, but becomes increasingly frustrated and bewildered by Dick's continued working the land. One day he pays a call on the Turners, seeing them for the first time in what he realizes is close to two years. He sees the mess Dick is making of his potentially useful land and attempts to persuade him to sell. Dick, still profoundly attached to his land, obstinately refuses, but invites Slatter to stay for dinner. At first Slatter refuses, but quickly changes his mind when...