This story takes place in a large house with scrolled balconies that once set on the most select streets in town. The old house is now run down and surrounded by garages and cotton gins, Emily's house is the only one left on the street.
The story begins with Emily’s death, but the author goes on to tell a story about her life. After Emily’s father dies, she is left to live alone in the house with a negro man who went to the market and took care of things for her. She had only a few visitors, two cousins, and a gentleman friend.
The summer