In which Louise de Macumer, on the eve of her marriage to the somewhat shy and unprepossessing Baron de Macumer, reflects with tender candour on the nature of love and the prudent sacrifices necessitated by wedlock, while receiving heartfelt counsel from her mother and the Duchess. There is a delicate balance of youthful affection and sober apprehension as Louise prepares to leave behind her former life, touched by familial affection and the eloquence of mature wisdom.