The Lovell’s cook leaves their residence to get married, and the family is soon bombarded with applicants hoping to replace her. Helen Ruth, however, is reluctant to hire anyone during the meager times of the Great Depression, until she meets a young Negress named Jess McGehee. The family gets along with Jess incredibly well and she stays for eight years. During her time living with the family, Jess teaches the three sons how to drive a car. Before Jess’s employment, the Lovell’s had several other caretakers. The first was Jane Blakemore, another black woman who the Lovell's found “unwilling and slow.” Next was Carrie, who was very nosy and seemed aware of the unhappy relationship between Helen Ruth and her husband John R., who was rarely home due to business affairs and his excursions with friends.  After having children however, Helen Ruth had begun to see more of her own friends. Carrie had remained her servant for five years, until she quit the job to become an undertaker.  The third caretaker was Sarah, who was old and illiterate. Nonetheless, she was kind, patient, and showed nothing but love to the Lovell boys. Unfortunately, Sarah’s abusive husband comes drunk to the Lovell’s household to force Sarah to come home with him. Helen Ruth orders the man to leave but Sarah is highly disturbed and on the verge of following her husband. Luckily she leaves four months later with plans to marry a different man and her term as caretaker ends.  John R. and Helen Ruth’s life takes a turn when John R’s friends are no longer able to engage in their “activities” together. John R. becomes a family man and Jess’s arrival as the new caretaker only makes his marriage with Helen Ruth and their family life happier.  The family agrees that Jess is the best help they ever had and cherish her like family. One day, Jess receives a telegram that her dearest younger brother has passed away. However, Helen Ruth knows from outside sources that Jess does not have a brother and that she has been saving up to leave for a better life in California with a friend instead. She sees Jess off and tells her family the truth, leaving everyone dumbfounded.