Power struggle for those in the upper classes: Engaged to Delphin Slade, Alida suspects that Grace might try to steal him from her. Alida tries to remove Grace from the picture by forging Delphin's signature on a letter inviting the latter to a nighttime rendezvous at the Colosseum. The plan backfires for Alida because her eventual husband actually meets with Grace. Alida still marries her beau, but it seems the soon-to-be Mrs. Ansley actually bears Mr. Slade's daughter, Barbara.
Betrayal and deception: As a young woman, Mrs. Slade used subterfuge and machination in order to improve her marriage prospects.
Grudges: In their middle age, Mrs. Slade and Mrs. Ansley introduce decades-old surprises.
