How we cite our quotes: (Paragraph)
Quote #4
"Ah don't choose none, Ah thank yuh." (92)
This is during breakfast, the day after the affair between Missie and Slemmons. As part of her repentance, Missie refuses to eat the food she cooks for Joe, demonstrating her devotion to him. Compared to how she eats at the beginning of the story (voraciously and with gusto) we know this truly is a sacrifice for her.
Quote #5
It had been three months since Missie had touched [Joe's] body and it all seemed strange. But she rubbed him. Grateful for the chance. (100)
Again, Missie's thoughts reveal the anguish she's going through. She feels like she deserves nothing from Joe and is grateful for any attention from him. Under the guise of a massage she's able to ease his physical pain and somewhat ease her guilt.
Quote #6
She was glad at first that Joe had left it there. Perhaps he was through with her punishment. They were man and wife again. (102)
Here, Missie finds Slemmons' gold piece and realizes for the first time that it is actually a gilded half dollar. Adding insult to injury, this means she slept with Slemmons for a paltry fee. Her first thought when she sees it on her bed? That it's a peace offering from Joe. Right, in a perfect world.