Fraulein Von J. is traveling with companion, Dev, and Evans to Italy via a train. They are talking about what they think America is like. They speak in English because Dev’s German is spasmodic. To Evans, Fraulein appears very simple, graceful in her modest dress. He is intimidated by her physical beauty. The four of them take seats near Italians on the train. Fraulein sits across from Evans and the pair stare intently at each other as the train departs. 

Evans longs to be away from this crowd and is pleased when Fraulein suggests that upon their arrival in Italy, they head for the open country for a picnic. Upon arrival in the marketplace of Frascati, the trio depart for the open country. They do not know where they are but are content with the beauty of the surroundings. Dev proceeds to tell them about what America is like. Dev explains that America is nothing like where they are. All the while, Dev is thinking about the whereabouts of his sister, Bess.

They see a group of young children who are not bothered at all by the presence of the hikers. Evans is still startled by Fraulein’s lovely appearance. Evans thinks Fraulein is like venus in some aspects of her physical beauty. 

Fraulein continues to ask what it is like in America. Dev describes America quite bleakly, comparing it to a place of hungry wolves and full of sorrow. Fraulein compares this description to a play called Johannisfeuer. 

The trio have lunch beyond a tree. They continue on, Fraulein and Dev split off and go ahead to a woody summit where they are able to see Frau M. seated under a tree. Frau M. had been also walking this way and was now seated below with Evans, as Fraulein and Dev had gone ahead. Elsa waves to Frau M. 

Dev and Fraulein are at the summit. They are able to see the others. Fraulein asks Dev about America and what it is like. Dev shakes his head at Elsa’s questions and eventually says that he will return to America out of habit. The girl explains that she has not interacted with an American like this. The banter about what America is like and what it means to be from America continues. Dev explains that it is a hard and barren world where he is able to do his work unmolested and enjoys the primitive and seclusive nature of the American lifestyle. He concluded that is all about America save for his admiration for some of the foliage. The girl says this is not true. 

Watching this, Evans feels that there is very little in America but the girl ought to be taken seriously. He wonders if Dev could just say that America was a place. The banter continues. Dev explains that he is a refuge. The woman explains that she is a German in Rome trying to become a Nun. She again expresses that she wants to know what America is and does not know if there is anything for her. She elaborates that anything she does is up for scrutiny in some capacity and that she is looked upon by a masculine gaze. Dev thinks about what it may be like if the pair of them run wild for the night. She explains that all she has here is a body and that in America, she may find something new.

Evans interjects and says that she would find nothing in America. 

They talk about Native Americans and how Europeans do not have “savages.” Dev shows Fraulein an arrowhead and explains how the significance of early America has been lost and/or misinterpreted. He talks about the early pioneers and American history. Dev sees a look of terror flood Fraulein’s eyes as she expresses how lonely it must be there. Dev concludes that America is marvelous. Fraulein shudders and says that so were her people and so will they be again. She comments that Americans make the church difficult. 

The moment feels odd as the two try to understand each other. They decide to head back towards their group so they make it to Rome before nightfall. Fraulein finds Dev to be brave for forging his own path.  Fraulein jokes that Dev believes in America like a church. Fraulein asks if Dev thinks the church is an enemy to his beliefs. Dev says yes and exclaims that the two of them should head back.