Summary

The Whipples are a poor farming family living in the South. With three children to feed and clothe, the family often finds it difficult to make ends meet. Mr. Whipple understands the family's precarious position and often speaks of having bad luck. Mrs. Whipple, on the other hand, is an optimist, particularly in the presence of other people.

The family includes two boys and one girl. One of the boys, known simply as He, is initially described as "simple-minded." Mrs. Whipple is keenly aware of the boy's limitations and goes out of her way to tell others how much she loves him. Mr. Whipple, fearing that people will begin to think that their son is not loved by the rest of the family, asks his wife to not speak of her love for her son in this way. Mrs. Whipple responds...