EngLits: Ethan Frome by InterLingua Publishing

Author:InterLingua Publishing
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: InterLingua Educational Publishing
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 6

The next day Jotham joins Ethan and Mattie for breakfast. Ethan is excited and happy, but wonders why, as nothing changed in one night. He had not even touched her hand but the time spent with her showed him what life with her would be. In the bright morning, he is glad he did nothing wrong that will disturb the lovely, innocent picture of Mattie.

There is still some work to do on the farm and due to the heavy snow, Jotham comes to help. Ethan decides to send him to the Flats and take the lumber himself. He asks Jotham to harness the horses and Mattie is busy washing the utensils while Ethan observes her and wants to tell her that this is the last time they will be alone together, but cannot do it. Instead he says he will be back for lunch, gets the sledge loaded and decides to go to make his delivery. On the way he plans to get glue to fix the plate, but luck does not favor him. One of the horses slips on the icy road and hurts his knee. The tree trunks are slippery as well and the work is delayed taking long past the dinner hour to complete. After dinner he wants to return from the village before Jotham brings Zeena from the Flats, but the chance is slim.

As Jotham is drying his wet feet by the stove, Ethan leaves, but is passed by Jotham on his way. He has little time to unload the delivery, which he does post haste, and makes his way to Michael Eady’s for the glue. Denis is unable to find it in Michael’s absence and Ethan is impatient, wanting to spend the last few moments alone with Mattie. Denis finally suggests he wait for his father’s return, but Ethan prefers to try Mrs. Homan’s store. After much hubbub, she succeeds in finding it. The rain increases and it is a hard time going for the horses, even without a load. On his way, he is fearful Zeena will overtake him to the farm, but there is no sight of her.

Upon his return he finds Mattie working in the kitchen as he expected. Hearing his footsteps, she turns around with a start and springs towards him. He tells her he has got the glue and pushes her aside, as she whispers that Zeena has arrived. He is startled and they gaze at each other. She explains that Jotham bought some goods for his wife and drove home, thus the horse is not in the barn. He enquires about Zeena in a whisper and she replies that she went directly to her room without a word. He returns to the barn to feed the horses but promises to fix the plate in the night.

Jotham returns the sleigh and the horses and Ethan invites him for supper, but he declines, as he has to return home. As it is not apt for Jotham to refuse a free

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