Summary

Chapter 25. In “Samson”, Ned’s death has made Jane want to live elsewhere in order to escape from the painful memories, but friends convince her that moving to the nearby plantation owned by Robert Samson will help her just as well. Despite Samson’s concerns about her ability to work due to her advancing years, Jane manages to convince him of her worth and earns a place on the plantation as a field worker.

Jane tells the story of a field worker referred to as Black Harriet and the race between her and a new girl. The pace of the competition causes Harriet to do an inferior job as she leaves weeds and chops up the cotton. The overseer, Tom Joe, beats her for her sloppiness and disrespect and a fight ensues when the other women come to Harriet’s aid...