Kate Bates, Porter's least conventional protagonist, may most accurately reflect the author's attitudes. Kate not only rebels against, but openly denounces an unfeeling parent. Resentful of the way her family treats her, she admires only her sister-in-law, whose personal wealth makes her independent of the family's whims. Ignoring the advantages of a wealthy and adoring husband, she rejects John Jardine because he has neglected his education in the pursuit of wealth. When George Holt proves to be incompetent, she assumes the management of the family as well as the business. After George's death, she works with her son to regain prosperity. She admits that she cannot really love her daughter, and thoroughly disillusioned about marriage, she sees no need to remarry.

At times, however, Kate resembles Porter's other heroines. Her goodness wins the friendship of the townspeople, whom she teaches primarily by example. Likewise her kindness saves Mariette...