Leona’s observations about Mrs. Hutchence quite literally depict her house as an alternative setting for the story, where the reader can see how several characters interact when freed from the social pressures of the settlement. This is immediately apparent in George, who is lulled by the peacefulness of Mrs. Hutchence’s house into letting go of his pretenses of authority and superiority. This change is demonstrated by the fact that he tries to greet Gemmy on the road, even though he formerly despised the man as someone beneath him.