[2] Its luxurious setting is based on Mansfield's childhood home at 133 Tinakori Road (originally numbered 75), the second of three houses in Thorndon, Wellington that her family lived in.
After surveying the food in the kitchen, Laura and Jose learn that their working-class neighbour Mr. Scott has died just outside their gate.
After catching herself in the mirror wearing a new hat, Laura eases her conscience by deciding to forget the matter until the party is over.
When the evening comes, and the family is sitting underneath the marquee, Mrs. Sheridan tells Laura to take a basket full of leftovers to the Scotts' house.
An omniscient narrator also explains that, as children, Laura, Jose, Meg, and Laurie were not allowed to go near the poor neighbours' dwellings, which spoil their vista.
Laura's realization that life is simply marvellous shows death of human beings in a positive light.