Answer:
Instead of asking the Hales for money, Ethan Frome turns back and returns home, setting aside the plans to run away with Mattie.
Explanation:
Edith Wharton's novel "Ethan Frome," tells the story of Ethan Frome and his struggle with his sick wife Zeena and his love for Mattie, his wife's cousin. Struggling to maintain what life is for him, the story delves into the concepts of what society expects of a person despite it being contrary to what one really wants.
Ethan wanted to run away with Mattie for he loves her. And so, deciding to ask for an advance to the Hales for the lumber, he went out to intercept Andrew Hale's wagon only to find Mrs. Hale. She told him that her husband is at home so Ethan went in that direction. His plan was to leave the farm and mill for Zeena and acquire the money for his and Mattie's life. But while walking towards the Hales' residence, his conscience took the better part of him. And so, instead of asking the Hales for money, he turned back and walked towards home without the money.
