Out of This Furnace

Mike is buried in the winter of 1914. Mary receives thirteen hundred dollars from the company over Mike’s death. Though the money will help, Mary moves from the house because it reminds her too much of Mike. She finds work during the day while her sister watches her four children. The oldest child, John Joseph, eventually secures a job selling newspapers. Times are hard for Mary, and she seeks advice from Dorta and Joe. Joe suggests taking in boarders again, but Dorta reminds them that, due to the war, there are not as many immigrants as before. Those that do arrive want nicer lodgings. Instead, Dorta suggests that Mary should remarry as soon as possible. Though Joe recommends a widower named Paul Czudek, Mary tells them she is not yet ready to remarry.

Anna and her husband John move away, as he has secured a job as a head bartender. Mary considers her options, and thinks about moving to Homestead. There, she can have George move in with her and the kids. George, however, does not want to live with Mary. She rents a house in Munhall Hollow anyway, and George moves in. He pays Mary ten dollars, but she tells him that he must pay more.