On the Church Steps

"On the Church Steps" by Sarah C. Hallowell is a story set in the late 1800s that follows Charlie Munro and Bessie Stewart as they walk the complicated path of love while dealing with what society expects of them. Their quiet talks on the steps of a church become the stage to their growing closeness and a place to ponder about the people they know. As they talk about friends and a coming farewell, Charlie wrestles with telling Bessie how he feels but struggles to mention he's also going away; this teases the budding romance against a backdrop of outside pressures. The story shows a peaceful New England setting but implies emotional turmoil as Charlie and Bessie face personal issues.