An interrupted night

From her earliest memories, the narrator reveres a luminous woman who visits her home, a blend of fairy‑godmother and heroine. Her dark, braid‑wreathed hair, sparkling eyes, and gentle smile make every moment feel like a holiday, and the girl measures the world against the standards she sets. When the visitor retreats, the house seems dim, and the child's devotion only deepens.

As the years unfold, the girl learns that the radiant figure leads a secret life beyond the family circle, and an unsettling event forces her out of innocence. Guided by the steady presence of Mrs. Dunlap, she confronts deception and navigates a maze of trickery that threatens her trust. Through that trial she discovers a richer, more realistic view of romance and the complexities of adulthood.