Margaret Oliphant's novel "At His Gates"

was originally published in 1872. Helen is married to painter Robert Drummond. Over time she has become somewhat disillusioned, realising that Robert will never be a great painter; but their marriage is otherwise very happy. Before her marriage Helen had turned down the marriage proposal of her rich cousin Mr Burton; and now he comes forward to "help" Robert with his investments. Later, after a series of dramatic events, Helen finds herself a widow, impoverished, and living literally at the gates of her cousin Mr Burton.

About Margaret Oliphant

Margaret Oliphant was a Scottish novelist and historical writer, who usually wrote as Mrs. Oliphant. During her career she wrote more than 120 works, including novels, travelogues, histories, and volumes of literary criticism. Two of her better-known fictional works are Miss Marjoribanks (1866) and Phoebe Junior (1876).

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