Summary

In Chapter 5, a young woman finds William in the yellow house. He has lived here alone since Katherine’s departure. Shortly before the woman’s arrival, William attempted suicide.

The woman becomes William’s companion and nurse, eventually falling in love with him. Then one day, she discovers his old letters to Erasmus. She is horrified to learn of the men’s affair. When she discovers a new letter from Erasmus to William in the mail shortly thereafter, she fears losing William. Erasmus wants to come to the north woods and rekindle their relationship. To keep William to herself, the woman destroys the letter.

In “A December Song. Another Ballad by a pair of Grave Maids, to the Tune of When Phoebus did Rest, &c. For Fife and Voice,” the seasons pass in the north woods. Light, cold, and time seize the yellow...