Caleb's Crossing: A Novel Chapter Summary & Analysis - Section 9 - Part 2, Anno 1661, Actatis Suae 17, Cambridge Summary

Section 9 - Part 2, Anno 1661, Actatis Suae 17, Cambridge Summary

Chapter 15 - Samuel Corlett proves to be friendly, intellectually stimulating and, in a visit following their first meeting (to which he brings flowers and a valued book) romantically stimulating as well. Later, Caleb and Bethia have an opportunity to talk about the situation (i.e., Bethia having two suitors, Samuel and Noah). Caleb helps Bethia sort out the positives and negatives of both options, asking her some unusual questions - what does she want and which stirs her blood.

Chapter 16 - The next day, Samuel arrives and takes Bethia on a tour of the library endowed by John Harvard in the school where he Samuel is to work as a tutor. When they are alone, Samuel asks for Bethia's hand in marriage, professing his regard but confessing that he has little money and will need her to wait until he finishes his studies. Before the anxious Bethia can...
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