Read "The Rise of Silas Lapham" by William Dean Howells online for free on Textopian. Full text with search, annotations, highlights, and AI-powered reading aids.
After a week Mrs. Lapham returned, leaving Irene alone at the old homestead in Vermont. "She's comfortable there -- as comfortable as she can be anywheres, I guess," she said to her husband as they drove together from the station, where he had met her in obedience to her telegraphic summons. "She keeps herself busy helping about the house; and she goes round amongst the hands in their houses. There's sickness, and you know how helpful she is where there's sickness. She don't complain any. I don't know as I've heard a word out of her mouth since we left home; but I'm afraid it'll wear on her, Silas."
"You don't look over and above well yourself, Persis," said her husband kindly.