"Summer" is a glimpse of the transition into womanhood by Charity Royall, an orphan from the lawless mountain. Mr. Royall takes her into the small society of North Dormer and raises her as his daughter, but later propositions her to be his wife. Charity's stubborn and independent persona prevents her from submitting to domestic life just yet, and she must experience some of what the world has to offer first. But after a harsh affair, an unwanted pregnancy and possible social-exile, she realizes where her fate has always led her: back to North Dormer.