Chapter 7 Summary

The neighbors, Matthew and Maggie, arrive to help Papa plow his corn. Sarah, Anna and Caleb stand on the porch, watching the wagon arrive with Matthew and Maggie. Anna remembers the last time she and Caleb had stood watching for the wagon to arrive, the day Sarah came to visit. Today, Sarah's hair is piled high in a thick braid, and dotted with the wild daisies, which Papa has picked for her. Matthew and Maggie give Sarah a gift of several live chickens, for eating, explains Maggie. Anna suspects Sarah will keep them as pets instead, and her suspicion is confirmed when Sarah names the chickens. Matthew and Maggie have two young children, named Rose and Violet, who play with the chickens and the dogs. Seal, the cat, is hiding out in the barn, where the temperature is coolest.

As the men begin...