Jimmy Pitt

Molly McEachern

Jimmy and Molly are the central romantic pair, with Jimmy initially pursuing her as a bet but genuinely falling in love.

Spike Mullins

Jimmy and Spike are close friends and allies, with Spike serving as Jimmy's loyal and resourceful accomplice in various schemes.

Lord Dreever

Jimmy and Lord Dreever are friendly acquaintances, with Jimmy often helping the hapless young lord navigate romantic and social troubles.

Sir Thomas Blunt

Jimmy and Sir Thomas are antagonists, as Sir Thomas disapproves of Jimmy's pursuit of Molly and tries to thwart him.

Arthur Mifflin

Arthur and Jimmy are close friends and confidants, with Arthur often providing comic relief and support for Jimmy's romantic endeavors.

John McEachern

Jimmy and John have a professional relationship as Jimmy is hired by John to help with a burglary scheme, though it becomes more personal.

Hargate

Hargate is a butler who serves Jimmy and later becomes his ally in navigating the household's intrigues.

Lady Julia Blunt

Jimmy and Lady Julia are friendly allies, as she supports his romantic pursuit of Molly against her husband's wishes.

Spike Mullins

Jimmy and Spike are close friends and allies, with Spike serving as Jimmy's loyal and resourceful accomplice in various schemes.

Arthur Mifflin

Arthur and Jimmy are close friends and confidants, with Arthur often providing comic relief and support for Jimmy's romantic endeavors.

Molly McEachern

Jimmy and Molly are the central romantic pair, with Jimmy initially pursuing her as a bet but genuinely falling in love.

Molly McEachern

Jimmy and Molly are the central romantic pair, with Jimmy initially pursuing her as a bet but genuinely falling in love.

Dedication

Referenced as the character played by Douglas Fairbanks in the dramatized version of the novel.

A Gentleman of Leisure

The protagonist, a wealthy young man who makes a bet to burgle a house and succeeds, but is caught.

I: Jimmy Makes a Bet

Returns from England on the Mauretania; is the subject of discussion and makes a bet to burgle a house.

II: The New Pyramus and Thisbe

Jimmy is introspective and infatuated with a girl he saw on the Mauretania, though they never spoke. He discusses love and restlessness with Mifflin.

Mr. McEachern

Mentioned in the opening line as sleeping in his chair before being roused by Spike; not directly present in this chapter.

IV: Molly

Mentioned by Molly as a man on the Mauretania with eyes like her dog Tommy's; she speculates he might be a nice young man.

V: A Thief in the Night

Jimmy wakes to find a burglar in his room, subdues him, and then engages him in conversation about burglary, pretending to be an experienced cracksman.

An Exhibition Performance

Jimmy, driven by a love of wagers and challenges, treats the burglary as an exciting adventure and takes on the role of mentor to Spike.

Getting Acquainted

Breaks into a house with Spike, improvises as a London burglar to appease the police captain, and reunites with Molly McEachern.

IX: A New Friend and an Old One

Sups alone at the Savoy, still restless and haunted by the girl from the Mauretania. He helps Lord Dreever with a loan and later confides his romantic troubles.

X: Jimmy Adopts a Lame Dog

Reunites with Spike, learns the burgled house belonged to McEachern, and declares his retirement from crime.

At the Turn of the Road

Jimmy accepts Lord Dreever's invitation to Dreever Castle, decides to bring Spike, and later gets lost on the walk to the castle.

Making a Start

Lost in the snow, Jimmy meets Molly McEachern again and feels a mix of joy and insecurity. He learns about the diamond theft and struggles with jealousy over Molly's concern for Lord Dreever.

Spike's Views

Dresses for dinner in an optimistic mood, reflecting on his love for Molly and his fatalistic belief in his luck. He warns Spike against criminal impulses.

Check, and a Countermove

Confronted by McEachern, defends himself, and threatens to reveal McEachern's secrets if exposed.

Mr. McEachern Intervenes

Frustrated by rehearsals and the forced proximity between Molly and Lord Dreever, Jimmy observes his rival's weak character and later shares a moonlit walk with Molly.

XVI: A Marriage Has Been Arranged

Leaves the terrace before the conversation; his relationship with Molly is a source of tension for McEachern.

Jimmy Remembers Something, and Hears Something Else

Jimmy remembers a past event involving Hargate at the Strollers' Club and reacts with anger upon learning of Lord Dreever's engagement to Molly.

XVIII: The Lochinvar Method

Determined to win Molly, he adopts a bold 'Lochinvar' approach and forces Spike to return stolen jewels.

XIX: On the Lake

Jimmy takes decisive action by rowing Molly onto the lake, confesses his love, and kisses her. He is determined and romantic, but unaware of the full extent of Mr. McEachern's suspicions.

A Lesson in Piquet

Mentioned as the object of Hargate's dislike; Dreever defends him as a good chap and refuses to expel him.

Loathsome Gifts

Jimmy is blissfully happy about his engagement, shaving and joking with Spike about marriage and domestic life.

XXII: How Two of a Trade Did Not Agree

Horrified by Spike's theft, he insists on returning the necklace and lectures Spike on the consequences.

XXIV: The Treasure-Seeker

Lends Spennie five pounds earlier in the evening, though it is insufficient to solve his financial troubles.

XXV: Explanations and an Interruption

Caught in Lady Julia's dressing room with the necklace; explains his past and motives to Molly and Lord Dreever.

XXVI: Stirring Times for Sir Thomas

Caught by Sir Thomas with the necklace, Jimmy uses wit and bluff to avoid arrest, pretending to have a gun and later revealing the diamonds are paste.

XXVII: A Declaration of Independence

Exposes the necklace as fake and mediates between Lord Dreever and Sir Thomas.

XXVIII: Spennie's Hour of Clear Vision

Praised by Spennie as a capable, energetic man who would suit Molly; his performance in the theatricals is noted.

XXIX: The Last Round

Reveals the truth about his burglary and persuades McEachern to reconcile with Molly.

XXX: Conclusion

Bids farewell to Spike at Southampton, reflects on his marriage and the necklace.