Without a Home

"Without a Home" by Edward Payson Roe is a story from the late 1800s that follows the Jocelyn family, especially Mildred, as they deal with hard financial times and tough social situations. Their once easy life falls apart, showing how society's rules and their connections with each other matter, specifically with Mildred's relationship with Vinton Arnold, a young man dealing with his own family's pressure. The book starts with a happy party at Belle Jocelyn's house, Mildred's energetic sister, but it also hints at trouble ahead because Mr. Jocelyn is having money problems. Even though the young people are enjoying themselves, and maybe even falling in love, there's a sense of worry because the family's company might fail. The story jumps between the family's problems and what society expects of them, and Mildred starts to see how hard things will be, especially with Vinton Arnold, who might have to do what his rich family wants, and with the family's new, poorer situation.