This is a curious novel from an esteemed writer of the 19th century. It would be difficult to say much about the plot and characters without giving away the story, so i will just say that it is set in a New England village and the main characters are a widowed professor of a kindly and philosophical nature and his rather peculiar daughter. You can read the novel online at Project Gutenberg, http://www.gutenberg.org/files/2696/2696-h/2696-h.htm