Summary

The short story “Trio for Four Voices” by Jane McLaughlin begins with the narrator watching a girl and her father from the hotel balcony. The narrator watches their interactions as they are playing croquet and remarks that, although they are speaking in French, they are probably American.

Later, at dinner, we find out the girl’s name is Amelia. As her parents are having dinner, Amelia is walking around the room, talking to the hotel guests. She sits opposite the narrator and starts a conversation. As they are making small talk, Amelia suddenly announces she has a secret and then confesses that she hates her mother and she is going to kill her. She adds that her father is going to help. The narrator is shocked and tells Amelia she should not make up such things. Amelia insists it is true.

The narrator is convinced Amelia needs ...