The speaker is a young, self-analyzing man who pays regular visits to an older woman but feels intensely awkward in her presence. He struggles to communicate his true thoughts and frequently responds to her eager conversation with polite silence. Internally, he wishes to flee the confines of her parlor to engage in ordinary outdoor activities, such as reading the newspaper in the park or drinking heavy beers.

The lady is an older, likely wealthy woman of leisure who attempts to cultivate an intimate connection with her young visitor under the guise of friendship. She meticulously sets a romantic atmosphere in her home and speaks in euphemistic, slightly manipulative ways about her approaching end and her need for companionship. She frequently serves afternoon tea and speaks fondly of past springtimes spent in Paris.