Introduction

After the conclusion of a stormy engagement with her reckless and selfish cousin George, Alice Vavasor, a young woman with an independent fortune, engaged herself to a country gentleman, John Grey.

The marriage was approved by her father and her highly placed relatives, but George's sister Kate persuaded her that she was not adapted to the quiet life of the country, and she broke her engagement.

Kate's Influence and the Renewed Engagement

Kate was anxious that Alice should marry George to assist him in a parliamentary career, and she weakly consented to renew her engagement, although with a stipulation that the marriage should be postponed for a year.

George's Disinheritance and Financial Demands

George's grandfather, whose death he had been eagerly anticipating, disinherited him, and in his disappointment and anger he demanded that Alice furnish the funds to pay his election bills.

Mr. Grey's Support and Election Outcomes

Mr. Grey learned of this and provided 4,000, presumably from Alice's account. George won the election and took his seat, but shortly after was compelled to contest again and lost.

George's Downfall

When he learned of Mr. Grey's intervention, he was so furiously angry that he tried to kill him. Finally, finding himself without friends or funds, he emigrated to America.