Story Structure — 5 Plot Phases

Virginia visits her aunt Betty, whose apartment adjoins an army post. The setting leads Virginia to meet Lieutenant Calhoun.

Virginia Visits Betty — Virginia visits her aunt Betty at Betty's apartment. Characters: Virginia Chester, Aunt Betty Location: Aunt Betty's apartment
Apartment Beside Army Post — Betty's apartment is adjacent to an army post. Characters: Virginia Chester, Aunt Betty Location: Aunt Betty's apartment
Virginia Meets Calhoun — Virginia makes the acquaintance of Lieutenant Calhoun. Characters: Virginia Chester, Lt. Calhoun Location: Aunt Betty's apartment

Virginia and Calhoun become acquainted, and Calhoun secretly marries her. Their private marriage establishes the central romantic bond.

Virginia Meets Calhoun — Virginia makes the acquaintance of Lieutenant Calhoun. Characters: Virginia Chester, Lt. Calhoun Location: Aunt Betty's apartment
Secret Marriage — Calhoun secretly marries Virginia. Characters: Virginia Chester, Lt. Calhoun Location: Unspecified

Helen is revealed to be in love with Calhoun as well. Her feelings create a competing romantic claim around the lieutenant.

Helen Loves Calhoun — Helen is also in love with Lieutenant Calhoun. Characters: Helen, Lt. Calhoun Location: Unspecified

Helen's father offers Calhoun military and financial advantages. These promises change Calhoun's feelings toward his secret marriage.

Promises of Advancement — Helen's father offers Calhoun military and financial advantages. Characters: Helen, Lt. Calhoun Location: Unspecified
Calhoun Regrets Marriage — The offered advantages cause Calhoun to regret marrying Virginia. Characters: Lt. Calhoun, Virginia Chester Location: Unspecified

Calhoun regrets marrying Virginia after hearing of the promised benefits. The plot ends with the marriage under severe emotional pressure.

Marriage Under Pressure — Calhoun's marriage is placed under pressure by Helen's love and the promised advantages. Characters: Lt. Calhoun, Virginia Chester, Helen Location: Unspecified

Story Breakdown

Betty's Apartment — Virginia's visit to Aunt Betty establishes the setting beside an army post.
- Family Visit — Virginia visits her aunt Betty.
- Army Post Nearby — Betty's apartment adjoins an army post.
Virginia Meets Calhoun — Virginia becomes acquainted with Lieutenant Calhoun during her visit.
- First Acquaintance — Virginia meets Lieutenant Calhoun.
- Romantic Connection — Their meeting develops into a secret marriage.
Secret Marriage — Calhoun secretly marries Virginia, creating the story's central private commitment.
- Private Wedding — Calhoun and Virginia marry secretly.
- Hidden Commitment — The marriage is established before the competing romantic pressure emerges.
Helen's Love — Helen's love for Calhoun introduces a rival romantic force.
- Competing Affection — Helen is also in love with Calhoun.
- Romantic Pressure — Helen's feelings place pressure on Calhoun's marriage.
Promised Advantages — Helen's father offers Calhoun military and financial benefits.
- Military Benefits — Calhoun is promised military advantages.
- Financial Benefits — Calhoun is also promised financial advantages.
Calhoun's Regret — The promised advantages cause Calhoun to regret his marriage to Virginia.
- Marriage Regret — Calhoun regrets marrying Virginia.
- Emotional Fallout — The secret marriage becomes the focus of severe emotional strain.