Summary

During the Civil War there were two sisters living in Virginia, who had as a near neighbor a young, wealthy and patriotic man, who visited them frequently. The elder sister was plain and attractive, but possessing a patriotic spirit and sterling qualities. The younger sister was pretty and doll-like, superficial, frivolous and fond of luxury. The elder sister was capable of a deep and undying devotion, while the younger was only capable of shallow affection. Both of the sisters love the neighbor in their separate ways. He is sub-consciously attracted by the inner worth of the elder sister, but this attraction is overbalanced by the beauty of the younger.