

The Captain draws heavily on his memories of heroism and service, and he applies these lessons during the epidemic. He served in the American Revolutionary War and now helps Lucille to run the coffee house.

Lucille grew up in a privileged and wealthy family, but shewas disowned after she married a man from a more middle-class background.Ĭaptain Cook is Matilda's paternal grandfather and Lucille's father-in-law. She is a widow who runs a coffeehouse and cares for her daughter with the help of her father-in-law. The novel tells the story of Matilda’s transformation from a carefree child to a responsible, strong-willed, and kind-hearted young woman. She is a 14-year-old girl who lives with her mother and grandfather in Philadelphia. Matilda Cook is the protagonist of the story.
