A gentle, genteel, and lonely school teacher hospitalized in the bed next to Vera while Vera is recovering from rheumatic fever, Andrews becomes her mentor, emphasizing that even bad things can bring about good. For two years after leaving the hospital, Vera frequently visits Andrew's quiet, nicely-appointed flat as a refuge and learns from Andrew's example how to smile and modulate her voice. Andrews emphasizes that Vera must not leave her mother's flat until she is able to support herself, because having to return would be devastatingly depressing. When Vera leaves home, cutting herself off completely from her mother, she stops visiting Andrews and eventually cuts her off as well.