Introduction

Mississippi lawyer and Civil War veteran, Basil Ransom, visits his cousin Olive Chancellor in Boston.

She takes him to a political meeting where Verena Tarrant delivers a feminist speech.

Reactions to the Speech

Ransom, a strong conservative, is annoyed by the speech but fascinated with the speaker.

Olive, who has never before set eyes on Verena, is equally fascinated.

Olive and Verena's Relationship

She persuades Verena to leave her parents' house, move in with her, and study in preparation for a career in the feminist movement.

Ransom's Return and Proposal

Meanwhile, Ransom returns to his law practice in New York, which is not doing well, so he visits Boston again and proposes to Verena.