Parcel 4, "His Life at 16 Years of Age" Summary

Parcel 4 starts out with Ned already free from jail, obviously having been acquitted of all charges. He goes home, and is amazed to see how easily his mother is bullied by Bill Frost, a man who is weak and cowardly. This isn't at all like the Ellen Quinn he remembers, and Ned is furious over it. After a fight Bill declares he's leaving. Ellen says they will all starve without his wages, and demands that if Ned cares anything for her at all, that he will bring him back. Ned gets him, but warns him that if he ever abandons his mother, Ned will kill him.

Bill leaves after an announcement that he will be gone for a week on business, which is normal, but Ellen goes to bed...