Taking clues from the excerpt, with the knowledge that back in the days men were superior to women, it leads to that answer.
When reading the excerpt, it says, "...<span>you'll know that we know only what men-folks think we do...". You can draw a conclusion from this that men think they aren't as smart as they are.
Also, there's, </span><span> “You ain't found out yet we're women-folks, Nanny Penn,” said she. “You ain't seen enough of men-folks yet to." Which, again, draws the same conclusion.
You can hear the frustration, and the distaste about men and what they think of women. They are not allowed to complain about what men do, and their opinions about the men are frowned upon.
Hopefully this helps some! Let me know if it doesn't. </span>
He is shocked and terrified and calls on his family for help. He rushes out of his room to seek help. He determines to continue with his normal work and family relationships.
