The story begins with a couple and their baby moving to Albuquerque where the husband hopes to be accepted at the university. After they settle, the wife discovers that their marriage is hopelessly challenged because she doesn't want to be married to a lawyer who wins all their arguments. In her suitcase are three nuns who give her well meant, useless advice until she banishes them. "here's my parting gift to you," says her husband handing her an Italian Berretta. By then, they are living in a mountain cabin on seventeen acres.

The story begins with a couple and their baby moving to Albuquerque where the husband hopes to be accepted at the university. After they settle, the wife discovers that their marriage is hopelessly challenged because she doesn't want to be married to a lawyer who wins all their arguments. In her suitcase are three nuns who give her well meant, useless advice until she banishes them. "here's my parting gift to you," says her husband handing her an Italian Berretta. By then, they are living in a mountain cabin on seventeen acres.