Daniel lies upstairs languishing, his body growing thin and weak. He worsens, I think, by the knowledge that Prudence Cory is officially being courted by someone else; I was the one who brought him this news afternoon last. I thought perhaps the information would provide him reason to rise from his bed by giving him the strength of anger to fight for his beloved. How different Daniel is than I always thought. Resigned to his fate, he merely turned his head dully, when I related the news, then tonelessly bid me leave his chamber. Only in his eyes did I see that old fire of hate. Goody White announced at noonday meal that I am the most peculiar child she has ever encountered—an observation brought on by my wooden tongue and my reclusive demeanor, which today is heavy with thought and decision. I replied caustically that I have no wish to be a cantankerous complainer such as she. Mama then intervened, with some of the few words she has spoken since she returned from Goodman Glover, and told me I must practice charity toward Goodwife White.
