Summary

In the short story “The Kiss” by Kate Chopin, a man named Brantain is sitting in a poorly-lit room, looking at a young woman named Nathalie, who is stroking her cat and making small talk with him. Nathalie knows that Brantain is in love with her and expects him to ask her to marry him. She does not like him, but she is attracted to his wealth and social position. 

Nathalie and Brantain’s meeting is interrupted by a young man named Harvy, who does not see Brantain and who approaches Nathalie and kisses her. Brantain is bewildered and leaves. Harvy confesses that he did not see Brantain and that he has come looking for her, as usual. Nathalie scolds him and declares that she will not forgive him yet.

At the following reception, Nathalie approaches Brant...