The Underpup

The story follows a circle of girls at a summer camp who, spurred by a newly adopted social conscience, decide to sponsor an underprivileged child. A practical, streetwise girl from a poor family wins a place at the camp through a contrived essay and arrives with defensive pride, clashing politely with earnest leaders who expect to civilize her. Scenes at the station and in the Pullman show class tensions, small rivalries, and the newcomer's instinct to form and protect a loyal gang, while the narrative examines charity, belonging, and the gap between sentimental reform and the messy realities of friendship.