Polly Mooney, who is 19 years old, resides with her brother and various young male boarders and tourists in her mother's boarding house. Despite Mrs. Mooney's desire for Polly to find a husband, Polly is considered attractive and often receives flirtatious attention from the boarders, which she also returns. However, her mother is unhappy with Polly's inability to secure a suitable partner.

When Polly starts a somewhat obvious romance with one of the tenants named Mr. Doran, Mrs. Mooney remains surprisingly silent, causing her daughter to question whether she approves of their relationship. However, Mrs. Mooney actually waits until their relationship is well underway before speaking to both Polly and Mr. Doran in turn. She believes this approach will be the most successful in securing a marriage for her daughter, as Mr. Doran risks shame by abandoning her after indulging in the romantic relationship.

Polly confides in Mr. Doran about her fear of her mother's suspicions and the potential outcomes of their situation. Mr. Doran provides weak reassurance to Polly. Later, Mrs. Mooney requests to have a private conversation with Mr. Doran. Despite feeling anxious and anticipating the nature of their discussion, Mr. Doran agrees to speak with her. He is conflicted and doesn't know if he should run away in shame, or marry Polly. He is not happy with Polly's behavior, grammar, and social position, and Joyce writes "His instinct urged him to remain free, not to marry. Once you are married you are done for, it said."

While Polly cries and soothes herself in her room, and reminisces about her romantic encounters with Mr. Doran, her mother summons her to come downstairs as Mr. Doran desires to talk to her. However, the reader is left unaware of the specific topics discussed during both of these conversations.