Chapters XII and XIII Summary

In Chapter XII the attention turns back to the Corey family. The Corey ladies have returned home and are dismayed to find how often the brother has been associating with the Laphams. Tom tells his mother the sisters are both nice girls and that the older is more intellectual than her sister. He remarks he expects his family will like her once they come to know her. Like the Laphams, the Coreys also discuss whether or not Corey is really in love with Irene.

In light of the turn of events during her absence, Mrs. Corey decides to pay another visit to the Laphams. This time she meets Persis and Penelope. Persis finds herself afraid of and in awe of this woman whom she thought of as her equal before. She is hardly aware of the visit...