The House Behind the Cedars

The mansion which John has inherited from his deceased wife impresses Rena. They are alone except for John’s son Albert and the servants. Rena soon becomes Albert’s primary caretaker. John is pleased to see Rena settle in well and feels relieved to have someone present who knows his secret.

Rena becomes friends with Mrs. Newberry who introduces her to the other women of the town. George Tryon is smitten with Rena and wishes to marry her instead of Blanche Leary, a blonde girl from his hometown whom his mother wants him to marry. Rena is flattered by George’s attentions but worries that it is “too good to be true” (50).

After a several weeks, the couple declare their love for one another, and Rena accepts George’s offer of marriage. John congratulates them heartily but adds a cryptic remark hinting at the siblings’ secret: “I hope that neither of you may ever regret your choice” (49).

George now visits more regularly. He presses Rena to marry him quickly since he is leaving in three weeks, but she demurs and says she will give her answer in a week’s time. Rena frets that George will no longer love her if he learns her secret.