Seven short stories by Edith Wharton, American author of The House of Mirth. "The Hermit and the Wild Woman" (rather different than Wharton's usual fare) is about a religious hermit who retires from the world after childhood trauma, and his relationship with a former nun whose "sinful" desire to bathe has driven her out of her cloister. The remaining six stories are set in high society, and explore the foibles and manipulations of the wealthy and influential (including artists and political figures). (Summary by Winnifred Assmann)