An Awakening Summary

Belle Carpenter is a dark, strong and tall woman. Her father is Henry Carpenter, the bank bookkeeper. As a child, Belle's father makes life unbearable for her, but he loses control over her when she becomes an adult. He is a bully who fears his daughter, who is the sole witness to how he treats his wife.

Belle spends time with George Willard, but she secretly loves Ed Handby, the bartender in Ed Griffith's saloon. Her feelings for Ed make her anxious, and so time spent with George serves as a reprieve. She lets George kiss her because she feels she can control him, whereas with Ed she isn't so sure.

Handby is formidable in appearance, but he has a gentle voice. At the age of twenty-five, he inherits his uncle's farm, but he quickly spends the proceeds. He gives parties...