On a hot Saturday afternoon, Paul Darnell wanders the streets of Crebillon looking for water, eventually stumbling upon the home of the infamous Carrie Snyder. Far from home, he decides to rest on a box in the shade of her chinaberry tree while she gardens, afraid to attract her attention. After a while, she notices him, startled to have such a young visitor. She allows him to have some water from her well, but even after drinking, Paul stays in her yard. The two spend time together in companionable silence, Paul resting and Carrie playing solitaire. Their friendship blooms easily. The next time Paul visits, Carrie asks him if he knows who she is, and he tells her he knows from the laughter and comments the men give as she passes through town. Though Paul asks why they laugh, Carrie doesn’t answer. Paul understands, however, and accepts her silence.

Carrie takes a liking to Paul, keeping his visits a secret from deliverymen that might give his location away to his parents. Paul also gives Carrie his treasure box for safekeeping and, later, a cat that they name John the Baptist. Suddenly, in the middle of August, Paul stops visiting, and Carrie suspects someone gave away their secret meetings. She misses him dearly and tries to get word of his whereabouts, but one day he appears at her house again. He reveals that his aunt told his parents about his visits and he was punished for them, but Carrie tries to cheer him up, ecstatic to see her friend. Knowing about his punishment, though, she pretends to be mad at him and tries to cast him out of her house for good. When he unwillingly leaves, she breaks down into tears. Then, Paul appears beside her again. He explains that he was waiting outside to stop crying and retrieve the cap he left on her yard. Carrie pulls him to her, and the two rekindle their friendship.

In late November, Carrie and Paul secretly meet for a trip to the woods. Alone, they sing as they amble through the trees. After having a picnic, Paul lays his head in Carrie’s lap. As they rest, he asks her if her house is her own. Oddly, she replies it was. She sings Paul to sleep and feels a wave of sadness wash over her. Once Paul wakes, they briskly leave the woods and part ways before anyone can see them. The next day, Paul’s aunt brings him his treasure chest and John the Baptist. He rushes out of his house to Carrie’s, but once there, he sees the house has been sold. He goes back to Carrie’s chinaberry tree and grieves the loss of his friend.