A New England Nun Lesson Plan

Discuss Louisa and Joe's courtship and engagement. How did they feel about reuniting after so many years apart?

There is little detail concerning Joe's courting of Louisa. Freeman writes that Louisa went along with the "natural drift of girlhood" and accepted that marriage was the general path one took. When Joe presented himself, Louisa accepted him without hesitation, following the advice of her mother. Soon after they were engaged, Joe announced that he intended to go to Australia in order to gain a fortune and "secure a competency" before they wed. In the end, Joe was abroad for 14 years. Louisa awaited his return patiently and the two rarely exchanged letters.

When...