Ariana, Luba, and Sophie are three sisters living in America, who immigrated from Constantinople almost two decades prior. The sisters are all adults, with Ariana and Sophie working, while Luba takes care of the home. Though all three look for husbands, Ariana is growing past the age of desirability. Manya is their half-sister, and after both her parents have died, she sends a letter to the sisters saying that she plans to live independently in Constantinople for the rest of her life, but requesting that they send her a red dress. The sisters agree that they can't just leave the 18-year-old alone, so they pay for her to come to America. At once, Manya is displeased with the city, calling it ugly, and she has trouble adjusting to the American culture and customs. The three sisters decide that it is best to try to get Manya married. Their first attempt with an old dentist goes awry, as he chooses to marry Sophie, the youngest, rather than Manya. Later, they encounter a Hungarian man that appreciates Manya's manners, and soon the two are married and moving away to their home. Manya writes inconsistently to Ariana and Luma, the only unmarried sisters. Luma decides spontaneously to visit Manya. While there, she discovers Manya has acquired quite a life, with a nice home, some personal savings, and a housewife life. Luma is put off by this, thinking that Manya had put the least amount of effort into marrying, though, unlike Ariana, she has acquired the easiest life. When discussing the trip with Sophie, rather than resenting Manya's apparent success, Sophie pities her, saying that all Manya really wanted was a red dress.