These fourteen tales of domestic life in the South during the thirties and forties explore that extraordinary world of manners, expectations and unspoken understanding.

The gift of the prodigal -- The old forest -- Promise of rain -- Bad dreams -- A friend and protector -- A walled garden -- Allegiance -- The little cousins -- A long Fourth -- Rain in the heart -- Porte cochere -- The scoutmaster -- Two ladies in retirement -- The death of a kinsman.