The narrator introduces us to Dinah, who has just returned from a trip to Europe. She's delighted to find that the weather has been fine, and that her orchard is doing well. Dinah tells the narrator that she's glad the summer didn't get too hot, because her complexion doesn't match her skin color. Dinah asks the narrator where she can find some painted apples, and the narrator points out that Dinah is upset that her friend Vincent is away with his family. The narrator reassures Dinah that Vincent will be back soon, and Dinah promises that they'll all hang out together once Vincent returns