Chapters II and III Summary

In Chapter II, Lapham heads back to his family's home of twelve years. The home is located on Nankeen Square. Although it has never bothered them before, the Laphams become self-conscious of living in this unfashionable neighborhood after meeting the Corey family while on a trip to Canada. The Corey ladies have lost some of their luggage and the mother has become sick. Since she has training as a nurse, Persis Lapham, Lapham's wife, is able to nurse the lady back to health. The Laphams also loan the Coreys some clothing until their trunks arrive. It is at this time that Persis and Irene, her youngest daughter meet Tom Corey.

Although well off financially, the Laphams are described as being deficient in social graces. Neither of the daughters go to school beyond grammar school, neither knows how...