Wednesday, pp. 1-36 Summary

New Bath is a village in the Adirondacks between New York City and Montreal. The main street is known as Upper Main which is a tree-lined street that runs for three blocks. In the 1800s, the town had been a resort with people coming for the healing mineral waters. Big resort hotels were built and the town prospered. By 1868, the mineral springs begin to dry up while their rival, Schuyler Springs, continues to thrive. The Sans Souci hotel is New Bath burned in 1903. It is believed that the owner, who died in the fire, started the fire to collect the insurance. New Bath is still waiting for an economic revival in 1984.

Miss Beryl awakens on the morning before Thanksgiving wondering when the rotting tree limbs will fall on her house. She is in a better financial position than most...