Mrs. Warren's Profession

The story centers on the relationship between Mrs. Kitty Warren, a rich woman, described by the author as "in general, an old and brilliant presenter of a black woman" and her daughter, Vivie. Mrs. Warren is a middle-aged woman whose daughter educated in Cambridge, Vivie, is horrified to discover the sinister way in which her mother acquired her fortune. The two strong women make a brief reconciliation when Mrs. Warren explains her impoverished youth, which originally led her to prostitution. Vivie forgives her mother until she learns that the highly profitable business is still running.