Settlement, pages 189-205 Summary

The winter sets in bitterly by December, and Rebekah often visits Tobias next door while Mary visits with Martha as they make a quilt for the young couple's marriage bed. By January 1660, many settlers grow sick from the cruel afflictions brought by the cold. When Reverend Johnson summons Martha to tend to his sick children, Martha asks for Mary's help, but Reverend Johnson has heard of Mary and questions her faith, warning she must live by God's word as Reverend Johnson knows everything that happens in the community. Reverend Johnson's children's health improves, but Martha worries about Goody Johnson, fearing her current pregnancy is sapping her strength. Goody Johnson calls Mary to her to ask if she will scribe for Elias since Goody Johnson is too weak to do so, and Mary cannot refuse since the woman gives her...