Chapter 26:
A week and a half has passed since Mattie had last written and the three children caught the fever and the first frost is finally here! This proves to be a much needed relief for Mattie and Eliza. Joseph sends a message with food and the market is open again. As the strikingly thin Mattie cheerfully takes a trip down to the market she runs into Mrs. Epler who graciously provides her with some food. As she contemplates her future Nathaniel appears surprising her and walking him home as he tells stories of his experiences in the fever stricken city.
Chapter 27:
Nathaniel continues to visit with Mattie over the past week, free to wander the town that was gaining its population back. He continues to question on whether Mattie had heard from her mother which stirs confusion and doubt in her mind. Eliza makes a thanksgiving meal for the crew including Mother Smith. As Eliza attempts to avoid talk of Mrs. Cook, Mattie counters the conversation with a huge request: Eliza and Mattie creating a partnership to run the coffeehouse. Mother Smith seals the deal ending the conversation with authority and agreement upon Mattie's request just as a messenger from the coffee bean warehouse comes to the door. Mattie answers with tact and the Cook Coffeehouse is back in business.
Chapter 28:
Business is booming at the coffeehouse and the place is incredibly lively. Walls are lined with Nathaniels paintings and Mattie strategically passes free samples to prompt their customers to buy more. Nathaniel comes quickly yelling into the coffeehouse about the president being back in town. The capital city is booming with more people than it has seen in months and President Washington is led down High Street on a white horse. As Mattie gets carried away in her excitement she kisses Nathaniel. After the eventful presentation a carriage arrives at the door .. it's Mattie's mother!
Chapter 29:
As Mrs. Ludington and Mattie help mother into the kitchen of the coffeehouse the room stands to honor her. Mattie learns that mother had left for the Ludington's farm only a few days after she had sent her daughter along. Distraught by the fact that she couldn't find her baby she left the farm to find her, falling very ill. Mother literally worried herself sick and she had lost most of her strength. Mattie shares the story of her struggles and adaventures while mother was gone and then helps her up to bed.
Epilogue:
It is now December and we are given a glimpse of what a typical morning looks like for Mattie. She wakes before sunrise and heads to the kitchen careful not to wake anyone yet. She prepares coffee for herself and the breakfast table for the family. As she steps out the front door she reflects on the past few months, remembering the ways the city is the same as well as the many people who had passed. As the sun finally rises she heads inside to begin work.
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Friday, April 6, 2012
Fever Summary : Chapters 22-25
Chapter 22
Mattie finds out from Eliza that Mother is still alive and she went to the farm to find Mattie and Grandfather. We find out that Eliza is living with her brother, Joseph, and his twin boys, Robert and William. Mother Smith, an elderly woman with a cane, is introduced. Mattie and Eliza sit down to talk and discuss everything that has happened to Mattie since they have last seen each other. Eliza talks about the help she offers through the Free African Society.
Chapter 23
Mother Smith acts like Mother to Mattie, saying "They would have gotten along famously, complaining about me and out-scrubbing each other." (179). Mother Smith tells Mattie she is being selfish and cruel by not taking Nell to the orphanage. Mattie struggles with what she should do. Eliza agrees with Mother Smith so Mattie and Eliza go to take Nell to the orphan house. When they get there, a lady answers the door and tells them that the orphan house is overcrowded and to only leave Nell if it is the absolute last option. Mattie decides to keep Nell and is very excited about it. Eliza gossips about the chaos going on with the Ogilvie's. On their walk back, they see a hand dropping daisies out of a window. They realize it is Mr. Peale's house, the painter. They knock but no one answers so they leave. In the end of this chapter, Mattie decides to help Eliza at the Society.
Chapter 24
Mattie struggles getting used to the emotion and smell while helping Eliza take care of the sick. They visit three more sick families before they call it a night. They come home to Joseph who is crying, soon to find out the twins have become ill. Eliza is frantic to think of a way to help them. Mattie suggests hot water and going to Bush Hill, both ideas shot down by Eliza. Then, Mattie think of places cool with windows and suddenly shouts out, "The coffeehouse!"
Chapter 25
Eliza and Mattie pack up the wagon with the twins and Nell and head out for the coffeehouse, leaving Joseph and Mother Smith behind. Eliza and Mattie struggle to keep up with the sick children needing so much attention 24/7. They lose track of time and there seems to be no distinction between night and day to them. Eliza wants to get a doctor to bleed the three kids but Mattie talks her out of it, remembering that the French doctors at Bush Hill said it did not help. Eliza finally agrees with Mattie and goes to sleep. Mattie stays awake for awhile reminiscing on the day when Mr. Blanchard took off in his hot-air balloon and her and Nathaniel watched on a clear January morning.
Mattie finds out from Eliza that Mother is still alive and she went to the farm to find Mattie and Grandfather. We find out that Eliza is living with her brother, Joseph, and his twin boys, Robert and William. Mother Smith, an elderly woman with a cane, is introduced. Mattie and Eliza sit down to talk and discuss everything that has happened to Mattie since they have last seen each other. Eliza talks about the help she offers through the Free African Society.
Chapter 23
Mother Smith acts like Mother to Mattie, saying "They would have gotten along famously, complaining about me and out-scrubbing each other." (179). Mother Smith tells Mattie she is being selfish and cruel by not taking Nell to the orphanage. Mattie struggles with what she should do. Eliza agrees with Mother Smith so Mattie and Eliza go to take Nell to the orphan house. When they get there, a lady answers the door and tells them that the orphan house is overcrowded and to only leave Nell if it is the absolute last option. Mattie decides to keep Nell and is very excited about it. Eliza gossips about the chaos going on with the Ogilvie's. On their walk back, they see a hand dropping daisies out of a window. They realize it is Mr. Peale's house, the painter. They knock but no one answers so they leave. In the end of this chapter, Mattie decides to help Eliza at the Society.
Chapter 24
Mattie struggles getting used to the emotion and smell while helping Eliza take care of the sick. They visit three more sick families before they call it a night. They come home to Joseph who is crying, soon to find out the twins have become ill. Eliza is frantic to think of a way to help them. Mattie suggests hot water and going to Bush Hill, both ideas shot down by Eliza. Then, Mattie think of places cool with windows and suddenly shouts out, "The coffeehouse!"
Chapter 25
Eliza and Mattie pack up the wagon with the twins and Nell and head out for the coffeehouse, leaving Joseph and Mother Smith behind. Eliza and Mattie struggle to keep up with the sick children needing so much attention 24/7. They lose track of time and there seems to be no distinction between night and day to them. Eliza wants to get a doctor to bleed the three kids but Mattie talks her out of it, remembering that the French doctors at Bush Hill said it did not help. Eliza finally agrees with Mattie and goes to sleep. Mattie stays awake for awhile reminiscing on the day when Mr. Blanchard took off in his hot-air balloon and her and Nathaniel watched on a clear January morning.
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