Summary

While Mrs. Marroner sobs uncontrollably on the soft bed in her lush chamber, Gerta Petersen sobs on her hard bed without trying to control herself. Though Mrs. Marroner suffers from the ruin of a longer love, Gerta meets with personal shame, a hopeless future, and a terrifying present. Gerta came to the Marroners' house at age 18. As a perfect servant, she was readily admired by Mr. Marroner and his wife, though Mrs. Marroner quickly became jealous of the beautiful girl. Seven months earlier, Mr. Marroner went abroad for work, but he frequently writes his wife and always asks about Gerta, a fact that Mrs. Marroner now thinks about.

In recent months, Mrs. Marroner notices that Gerta seems anxious, but after ruling out homesickness and illness, Mrs. Marroner suggests something that cannot be denied. Trying not to be too stern so she might win the...