Summary

"A New England Nun" by Mary E. Wilkins Freeman, starts with Louisa Ellis finishing her sewing, which she did all that afternoon. Louisa goes out to her garden to pick currants for her tea. She serves herself a small supper on her china and gives her dog some corn cakes. After washing dishes, she returns to sewing. When Joe Dagget, her fiancé, comes to visit shortly after, there is awkward behavior. Joe Dagget is loud and clumsy, and he appears not to fit into Louisa's dainty home environment. They are both aware of bothered by the awkwardness. Their discussion consisted of the day, work, Joe's mother, and a girl named Lily Dyer who is helping his mother at home. Joe blushes twice at the mention of Lily's name. Joe's nervousness is apparent as he fiddles with two of Louisa's books on...