"Missy: A Novel" by Miriam Coles Harris is a work of fiction written in the late 19th century. The book centers around the life of Missy Varian, a determined and caring woman who grapples with her feelings of jealousy and inadequacy as her younger stepbrother, St. John, prepares to introduce his new fiancée, a woman Missy considers unsuitable. The narrative explores themes of family dynamics, social expectations, and the struggle for personal significance within changing relationships. The opening of the novel introduces Missy as she anxiously awaits the arrival of her stepbrother and his fiancée, feeling both protective and possessive of her familial ties. Through a conversation with her invalid mother, Missy expresses her apprehensions about St. John's choice, noting her disdain for the new fiancée, whom she views as an adventuress. As Missy busies herself with arranging the house and preparing for the arrival, her inner turmoil is further illuminated, revealing her attachment to St. John and her fears of being replaced. The atmosphere is charged with tension and uncertainty as the family braces for the impending visit, setting the stage for the emotional conflicts and relationships that will unfold. (This is an automatically generated summary.)