The first line of "A Spinster's Tale" reveals several important facts: "My brother would often get drunk when I was a little girl, but that put a different sort of fear into me from what Mr. Speed did." The author reveals (as the story's title also suggests) that his narrator is older now, that drinking played an important role in her family life, and that there is a menacing character named Mr. Speed.

The narrator, Elizabeth (named after her late mother), discusses her vague obsession with Mr. Speed, the town drunk. Elizabeth's father dismisses him as a "rascal," yet Elizabeth suggests that she will eventually confront Mr. Speed.

Elizabeth reveals some of her fears when she stands before a mirror, craving escape, whispering "away, away," until she bursts into tears. She then sees Mr. Speed "walking like a cripple" down the street. Elizabeth remembers her late...