The story in one page
William Whittlestaff, a middle-aged bachelor living in Hampshire, convinces Mary Lawrie to marry him, despite her long-standing attachment to John Gordon, a man gone to South Africa to seek his fortune in diamonds. Whittlestaff manages the household with his stern housekeeper, Mrs. Baggett. When Gordon reappears, the emotional standoff between the two men forces a choice regarding Mary's future. Whittlestaff, prone to bouts of internal agonizing, eventually releases Mary from her promise, choosing her happiness over his own comfort. Gordon and Mary reunite, leaving Whittlestaff alone at Croker's Hall to manage his solitary life and his ongoing troubles with the local drunk, Sergeant Baggett.
Who's who
- William Whittlestaff
Wealthy bachelor who struggles between possessiveness and self-sacrifice.
- Mary Lawrie
Young woman caught between a promise and her true love.
- John Gordon
Diamond prospector returning to claim his former fiancée.
- Mrs. Baggett
The formidable, opinionated housekeeper dealing with a drunk husband.
- Sergeant Baggett
A perpetually intoxicated husband who is a domestic burden.
What it's really about
- Self-sacrifice
- Giving up desire for another's contentment.
- Social duty
- The weight of keeping one's word.
Why it's memorable
- Mrs. Baggett longing for the day her master breaks a leg.
- A drunk sergeant sleeping off gin in a horse stable.
The ending, explained
Spoilers — show the ending
Whittlestaff graciously sends Mary off with his blessing to marry Gordon. He remains at his estate, secretly funding the care of the troublesome Sergeant Baggett.
For your book club
- Whittlestaff's internal battle against his own ego.
- The role of the housekeeper in regulating domestic peace.