Pages 1 - 104 Summary

The graduation ceremony for the Waynesboro Female College of 1868 includes a speech by General Deming. The college lawn has been turned over to the event so that more people from the town can attend to hear Deming's speeches. The ceremony is lengthy and ends with a valedictory speech by Anne Alexander, who talks about the futures that lie in store of the graduates. Following the event, the families break off into groups, many gathering to celebrate the successful completion of their daughters' educations. Anne and fellow graduate Sally Cochran are ordered to the office of Mrs. Lowrey, who tells the girls that there are plans to start a literary club that will be called the Waynesboro Women's Club. Along with Mrs. Lowrey, and apparently in on the plan, are Agatha Pinney, Louisa Tucker and Susan Crenshaw.

In the first chapter titled...