Porter again demonstrates her ability to describe nature clearly and accurately, but there is less anthropomorphism than in Freckles. The major emphasis in this novel is the interrelationships of the characters. The flaw of sentimentality remains, again largely the result of Porter's didactic purpose and her use of the stock situations of romantic novels, problem plays, and domestic dramas. The stereotyped characters function primarily to express the themes or to advance the plot. Once more Porter manipulates characters and plot, using coincidence excessively; nevertheless, the plot is complex and interesting, despite the overt didacticism.