The Story of a Year

'The Story of a Year' is a short story by American writer Henry James that first appeared in the March 1865 issue of The Atlantic. The story starts in "early May, two years ago" during the American Civil War. Jack and Elizabeth, a newly-engaged young couple, walk through the country to their New England home. Jack asks Elizabeth to keep their engagement a secret, and she agrees. That night Jack confides in his mother about the engagement. His mother, who is also Elizabeth's guardian, does not approve—she accuses Lizzie of being shallow. The next day Jack gets called off to war.