The Casting off of Morel - The Taking on of William Summary

Morel contracts an illness and his homemade herbal remedies are not enough to cure him so he is bedridden for some time. Mrs. Morel is overwhelmed with caring for her small children and now her husband. Fortunately, the neighbors and other people in town help with provisions so that the family will not starve.

Morel eventually recovers, and the couple's relationship improves slightly as the tension in the house eases because Morel is no longer drinking. Mrs. Morel conceives another child during this time and the boy, named Arthur, is born eighteen months after Paul. Arthur immediately bonds with Morel who delights in this child more than he did with his other three children.

Soon the children are old enough for Mrs. Morel...