Today's Battles Are Tomorrow's Triumphs: The Jacob Noah "Jake" Ingalls Story

Ingalls Vs. Oleson

(V.O.: Laura) ""The time for the new baby to be welcomed into the family was just one month away," Ma said, but little did we know that that time was fixing to come a lot sooner." "Charles, I'm off to take the eggs to the mercantile," said Caroline. Charles replied, "Why don't you let the girls do that on the way to school? I don't want you over exerting yourself— not with the baby so close." "I'll be fine, Charles. Besides, I think the walk into town will do me some good just so I can get out of the house for a little while," said Caroline. Charles nodded and kissed his wife and "their baby." Ring! sounded the bell on the mercantile's door as Caroline opened it and entered with eggs. "Good morning, Mrs. Oleson," said Caroline, setting the egg basket on the counter. "And to you, too, Mrs. Ingalls," said Mrs. Oleson. "How many eggs do we have here," she went on to say. Caroline replied, "A dozen and a half." Mrs. Oleson proceeded to price the eggs and said, "I hate to do this, but I can't give you what I usually pay you for the eggs because they're just not up to their uhhh... usual standards, therefore I can only pay you four cents less for each dozen," said Mrs. Oleson. Caroline replied, "That's okay, Mrs. Oleson. Like I told you once before, a gentleman at Hanson's mill told my husband that he'd be more than happy to get any and all the eggs that he can get his hands on."

"He also said that he'd pay me three cents more than what you normally pay me," Caroline went on to say. Mrs. Oleson said, "Fine. I'll take them, seeing as you're about to have another mouth to feed and are gonna need all the money you can get to support your... your... ummm... brood." This statement caused all the customers to stare in astonishment. Caroline asked, "Mrs. Oleson, could we take this conversation outside on the porch— away from the customers." Mrs. Oleson nodded. "Now, you look here, Mrs. Oleson. I don't see how the finances and the lives of myself and those of my family are any of your affairs. Good day," Caroline snapped as she turned to leave. Mrs. Oleson grabbed Caroline's arm and said, "Oh, I think they are my affairs, seeing as it is the mercantile's money that is paying your bills and feeding you and your family." "Let go of me," Caroline squeaked out as she tried to free her arm from Mrs. Oleson's grip. Mrs. Oleson let go— sending Caroline barreling backward down the porch's steps.