
Theuneducatedandcredulouswifeofaplowmanworksbesideherhusbandinthefields.Whetherbymentalimpairmentormeresimplemindedness,shehasthesensibilitiesofanaïvechild,anxiouslydesiringherhusband’sapprovalandachildofherown.Nowofagetohelptheirimpoverishedfarm,hernewlyacquiredchoreistocullthehens,theprocessofdisposingofchickensthatareunproductiveandinfertile.Despiteherobedienceandovereagersensuality,herhusbandrepeatedlyrebukesheradvances,insteadchoosingtospendmoreandmorenightsinthestablestocarefortheirhorses,particularlyasicklymare.Thesenightlyabsencesalongwithhisunwillingnesstogiveherachildfosteragrowingsuspicionoftheattentionhepaystothemare.Hermindwandersfromherdailychores,findingherselfincreasinglysympathetictotheinfertilehens.Onenight,shedecidestofollowherhusbandtothestables,hisvoiceandthesoundsofintercourseemanatingfrominsidethebarnwalls.Spyingonhimthroughasmallcrackinthewood,shemistakeshistorridaffairwithanotherwomanforonewiththesicklymare.Shesoonlearnsthehorseispregnant,turningherfeelingsofrevulsionanddismayintojealouslyandhatred.Sheplotstoconfrontthehorse,determinedtoterminatethechildthatshouldhavebeenhers.



