1 Jotham Powell had started for the barn, and Ethan strode down after him aflame with anger.
2 "Jotham Powell's down in the wood-lot, and Dan'l Byrne says he darsn't leave that horse," she returned.
3 As soon as dinner was over he set out again for the wood-lot, not daring to linger till Jotham Powell left.
4 "Jotham Powell brought some goods over from the Flats for his wife, and he drove right on home with them," she explained.
5 He had driven his load half-way to the village when Jotham Powell overtook him, urging the reluctant sorrel toward the Flats.
6 He saw Jotham Powell walking up the hill through the morning mist, and the familiar sight added to his growing conviction of security.
7 She ate well, declaring that the mild weather made her feel better, and pressed a second helping of beans on Jotham Powell, whose wants she generally ignored.
8 Zeena, after feeding the cat, had returned to her rocking-chair by the stove, and Jotham Powell, who always lingered last, reluctantly pushed back his chair and moved toward the door.
9 The hauling was not over till mid-day, and as the lumber was to be delivered to Andrew Hale, the Starkfield builder, it was really easier for Ethan to send Jotham Powell, the hired man, back to the farm on foot, and drive the load down to the village himself.
10 The next morning at breakfast Jotham Powell was between them, and Ethan tried to hide his joy under an air of exaggerated indifference, lounging back in his chair to throw scraps to the cat, growling at the weather, and not so much as offering to help Mattie when she rose to clear away the dishes.