The story takes place in St. Louis in 1903. The wealthy Smith family has four beautiful daughters, including Esther and little Todia. The eldest daughter Esther, 17, fell in love with the boy next door, John, who had just moved in. At first, however, John only noticed Esther. The whole family was shocked when Mr. Smith told his family that he had been promoted to a good position in New York. This means that the family will have to leave St. Louis and St. Louis Bazaar.