The Optimist's Daughter

When the train stops in Mount Salus, all six of Laurel’s bridesmaids, as they call themselves, and Adele Courtland, the eye doctor’s sister, are waiting at the platform. When Fay comes to after a long sleep, she asks Laurel, “What are you here for?” (49). Laurel has learned not to respond. Her best friend, Tish, is there, and the two of them watch as Mr. Pitts, the undertaker, tells Laurel her father will be brought home shortly. Laurel is confused, but then she learns it’s Fay’s idea. Fay tells the undertaker that she is Mrs. McKelva now and that anything to plan must be done through her. To that end, Pitts leaves with Fay to discuss the details of bringing the Judge home rather than to the mortuary.

When Laurel arrives at her childhood home, she runs up the steps of the house to find Mrs. Tennyson, Tish’s mother, waiting for her. There are at least a dozen old family friends inside the house, including Tish’s father, Major Bullock, who is drunk and sad. The Judge was his best friend, but it’s clear he pities and has empathy for Fay as he keeps saying things like, “Poor little woman” (52), as he wonders how she’s doing.