Chapter 15 Summary

In this chapter, Papa dies as spring comes. Robert finds him dead early one morning before chores, and gently tells his father that he need not worry about doing the chores, that the boy will do them himself. After the chores are done, Robert informs his mother and aunt about the death and asks them to attend to details preparing for the funeral while he summons the coroner, who is a faithful Shaker and not as expensive as the county coroner. The Shaker community has donated the coffin, a simple wood box typical of Shaker simplicity.

Mama thanks Robert for taking care of everything, but Robert reminds her that one does what is necessary. He arranges for the funeral and digs the grave in the family plot in the orchard. Robert finds it difficult to occupy himself during the afternoon. He wanders into...