May

The story is set during the month of May. The narration begins the story by discussing the effect that May weather often has on people. Specifically, people are more irrational and are prone to falling in love, even with people to whom they might pay no attention in regular circumstances. These environmental forces appear to affect all of the story’s central characters.

Mr. Coulson’s House

Nearly the entirety of the main storyline takes place in Mr. Coulson’s house, which is located in an unspecified American city. Mr. Coulson is wealthy and has a large house. However, he is a widow and appears to live alone, aside from the company of his few domestic servants. In May, the warm air and floral scents of springtime invade the house and make Mr. Coulson more prone to romance.

Basement

After Constantia deduces that her father is falling in...