Synopsis: The Hourglass Figure

Dr. Emmanuel Reagan, an inventor of high intellect, lives alone in a Victorian house outside of York County, Virginia. In the summer of 1925, he is 40 years old. He has recently lost his wife, who died while giving birth. The baby was lost too.

He begins sculpting with glass. The images he creates are of babies. One night, he falls asleep in the studio where he creates. He is visited by a woman in his dream. She talks about giving him a real child to care for. In return, she wants him to give something that he values: his inventions and a promise that he will stop creating them, without a reason why.

When he wakes up, he sees that one of his glass sculptures have come to life. He no longer has his other inventions. He names the baby girl Reverie.

As Reverie grows up, she develops into a fine woman. She is not permitted to leave the boundaries surrounding the house.

On the day of Reverie’s 18th birthday, she meets Isaac Partridge. During a drive through the country, he nearly runs her over while she chases a dog across the street. They fall in love at first sight.

Dr. Reagan tries everything to keep them apart. He won’t lose his little girl. He keeps imagining she will die like his wife. He calls upon the woman who visited his dream, stating he will give his intellect if only Isaac is kept away from Reverie.