About this story
At your aunt's party you dance with Morris Townsend, a charming, well-travelled cousin with more manners than money, while your father watches your step for the exact flaw he expects. Morris asks to call again tomorrow to return your dropped glove, and your father accepts for you, promising you will both find out tomorrow whose visit it truly is.
How it opens
Your father's house faced the square with the composure he expected from its rooms.
Dr SloperCatherine, your aunt Almond gives a party tonight, not an examination.
You held two gloves while wondering which hand had misplaced its confidence.
Lavinia PennimanA young lady may be examined without receiving advance notice.
Dr SloperMy daughter has money, health, and honesty; society should ask no encore.
Choose
I would rather be overlooked than discussed as a problem.
Aunt Lavinia believes every party contains a turning point.