Section 2- Chapter 3: A Knot of Dreamers and Chapter 4: The Supper-Table Summary

In "A Knot of Dreamers", the next chapter, Zenobia welcomes everyone and praises Mr. Coverdale's poetry; since she is the first comer, she will act as hostess tonight, but tomorrow, they will all begin as brethren and sisters. Mr. Coverdale notes that Zenobia's aspect is simple but proud and she wears a beautiful, exotic flower in her hair, causing him to compare her to Eve in the Garden of Eden. As the women, including Zenobia, begin to prepare dinner, Silas Foster enters and greets the men uncouthly, commenting on the dismal weather, but the men refuse to be depressed by the weather, planning to perform their due share of labor and gain profit by mutual aid.

Mr. Coverdale's consideration of standing now in...