Mattie Silver
Mattie Silver is the cousin of Zeena Frome, Ethan's wife. She came from a relatively wealthy part of the family. Her father was a successful businessman. After his death though, the family found that he had mismanaged his remaining money and they were broke. Mattie's mother was ashamed of this happening which ultimately led to her death. Mattie was left alone with only fifty dollars in her pocket from the sale of her piano. She began to work different kinds of jobs and eventually grew quite ill.
Life with the Fromes
Zeena decided to take Mattie after no other relatives would help. Mattie became the Fromes housekeeper while Zeena was sick. Mattie was never any good at the tasks she was given, often failing and subjecting Ethan to complete them. As her time with the Fromes progressed, so did her health. She was a beautiful young girl who enjoyed social gatherings with her friends, such as Ruth Hale.
The Accident
It had been a year since Mattie came to live with the Fromes when Zeena brought news that she had hired a new girl to take care of her. With little money, Zeena came to the conclusion that Mattie had to leave. When the day of Mattie’s departure came, Ethan and Mattie set out on a sleigh to the train. On the way, they decided to go sledding, or coasting, as many residents in Starkfield usually do. On the way down the hill, they crashed into an elm tree. They were both severely crippled in the accident. Twenty years later, Ethan, Zeena and Mattie still lived together on the farm. Zeena had now taken the role of housekeeper and caregiver that Mattie once had. Mattie had now become like Zeena, sour and depending on others to do things for her. That is the sad irony of the story.
Life with the Fromes
Zeena decided to take Mattie after no other relatives would help. Mattie became the Fromes housekeeper while Zeena was sick. Mattie was never any good at the tasks she was given, often failing and subjecting Ethan to complete them. As her time with the Fromes progressed, so did her health. She was a beautiful young girl who enjoyed social gatherings with her friends, such as Ruth Hale.
The Accident
It had been a year since Mattie came to live with the Fromes when Zeena brought news that she had hired a new girl to take care of her. With little money, Zeena came to the conclusion that Mattie had to leave. When the day of Mattie’s departure came, Ethan and Mattie set out on a sleigh to the train. On the way, they decided to go sledding, or coasting, as many residents in Starkfield usually do. On the way down the hill, they crashed into an elm tree. They were both severely crippled in the accident. Twenty years later, Ethan, Zeena and Mattie still lived together on the farm. Zeena had now taken the role of housekeeper and caregiver that Mattie once had. Mattie had now become like Zeena, sour and depending on others to do things for her. That is the sad irony of the story.