Manners are important in this novel.

Characters politely use courtesy titles, such as Mrs. Albert Lunden, to reveal their respect. Katherine is concerned about honesty, apologizing to people to whom she has lied and explaining why. She carefully expresses her gratitude for kindnesses and generosity and asks for forgiveness for her shortcomings. Katherine often prays and strives to become a better person. She misses her family, and her memories recall what good people her parents and grandparents are. Generational differences are minimized, and Katherine is able to communicate well with people both younger and older than she is.

Katherine is a diligent worker who realizes that she must earn her way to survive.

She works in her hometown mercantile to earn money in the hopes that she will travel to Chicago in the future. Katherine also industriously performs chores at home to help and please her...