Quicksands

"Quicksands" by B. M. Croker is a story set in the late 1800s about a young woman named Eva Lingard, stuck in a dull life. She lives with her uncle and controlling aunt, longing for something more after being sent away. As Eva thinks about her brother Ronald’s visit, readers find out about her yearning for romance and a better life. The story begins with Eva and Ronald talking on a bridge, and they make it clear that he wants to go back to India and she is unhappy where she is. Eva considers old memories and sad times with her family, and the reader understands she wants excitement and love, but she has to deal with her family and where she stands in society. This sets up a feeling that Eva is ready for change and that a big transformation is coming.