Luke Stevens is the nearest neighbor to Lyddie and Charlie. Because he is a Quaker, and Lyddie's mother didn't approve of "heathens and abolitionists" and considered the Stevens family to be both, Lyddie feels awkward around Luke. Charlie, however, seems to get along with him well. As Luke is giving Charlie a ride to the mill and Lyddie a ride to the tavern, Charlie expresses his concern for leaving their cabin empty. Luke offers to stop over to their house during the winter and to shovel snow off the roof. Lyddie is about to say no, but Charlie thanks him for his kindness. Lyddie warns Luke that there will be no trail between their homes, but Luke responds cheerfully that he will simply use his snowshoes to get there. When Luke drops Lyddie off at the tavern, he also tells her that he will look in on Charlie as well. Lyddie doesn't know "whether to be pleased or annoyed" at his offer. Despite Lyddie's rude behavior toward Luke, he remains kind and cheerful.
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