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Grace 

An old woman who revisits the lakeside town where she worked one summer in her youth. Intelligent yet shackled by circumstance, Grace is forever changed after a summer romance with Maury Travers and the time she spends in his family’s orbit.

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Mrs. Travers

Maury’s mother and an independent, free-spirited woman. She struggles with “nerves” and occasionally is sent to the hospital to recover.

Maury Travers

The youngest child of the Travers family who courts Grace. Maury is earnest and enamored with Grace, whom he hopes to marry after becoming an engineer. 

Neil Borrow

Mrs. Travers’ eldest son and stepson to Mr. Travers. Neil is a doctor with a drinking problem.

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Grace’s Great-Uncle 

A family member who takes Grace in when her mother dies. He makes his living caning chairs, and he wants Grace to take over the business. 

Mr. Travers

A well-off man who builds a summer house for his wife as a wedding present, which they visit as a family for many years to come. Mr. Travers is a capable man of few words.

Mavis Borrow 

The unhappy wife of Neil Borrow and mother of two. 

Gretchen Travers

The athletic, easygoing middle daughter of the Travers family, who is married with young children.

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