At a social gathering townspeople question why Laura, a maid's daughter, is so close to Mrs. Hampton (Angela's aunt). Angela reveals Laura once saved her as a child and that Angela's mother and aunt have protected and cared for Laura, but gossip accuses Laura of scheming for money and being audacious. Later Angela performs a violin piece onstage while a jealous rival, who remembers being humiliated before, plots to steal attention: "This time, she wouldn't get as much attention without me looking like a fool." The episode ends with the rival's threat looming over Angela's performance and Laura's fragile acceptance.