In which the narrator acquaints himself with a venerable tombstone carver on the island of Martha’s Vineyard, whose craft turns marble and slate into solemn memorials that reflect the deep affections and varied sentiments of the living towards their departed. Through encounters with mourners of diverse temperaments and heartrending stories etched in stone, the narrative gently meditates upon the nature of grief, remembrance, and the human desire to preserve the memory of those who have passed beyond the veil.