New York City, circa 1900

The story is set in New York City, and its time period appears to be contemporary to the early 1900s, when the story was first published. The geography of the city/state is somewhat relevant to the story. For example, Haskett is from upstate New York, but he gave up his lucrative business in order to move to the city, so that he could be closer to his daughter. Additionally, some brief scenes take place in residences in unspecified parts of the city, as the Waythorns often attend social functions.

Waythorn Residence

A large number of significant scenes take place at the Waythorns’ residence. The Waythorns appear to live in a house that is either within, or just outside of, New York City proper. They live with Alice’s 12-year-old daughter Lily, a governess, and other staff as well. After Lily contracts typhoid, she id...