A Hazard of New Fortunes · Chapter
XV explained
Fulkerson visits the Leightons and engages in playful banter about the magazine staff, particularly Beaton.
What happens
Fulkerson visits the Leightons and engages in playful banter about the magazine staff, particularly Beaton. Mrs. Leighton defends Beaton while Alma reveals her disillusionment with him, asserting she no longer cares for him romantically. The conversation shifts to the Marches and their new apartment, and Fulkerson proposes a small celebration at the Leightons' parlor.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
In this excerpt, the dramatic climax occurs as Beaton confronts the psychological peak of his internal conflic…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Art and Commerce
Alma's dedication to her art over romantic involvement highlights the conflict between artistic integrity and personal relationships.
- Love and Marriage
Alma's rejection of Beaton and her mother's concern about her romantic choices explore themes of love, trust, and independence.
Characters to notice
- Fulkerson
Visits the Leightons, jokes about Beaton, and proposes a celebration at their parlor.
- Alma Leighton
Discusses her changed feelings toward Beaton and her commitment to her art.
- Mrs. Leighton
Defends Beaton and expresses lingering resentment toward the Marches for not renting her rooms.
- Miss Woodburn
Engages in banter with Fulkerson and comments on the magazine staff.
- Angus Beaton
Discussed as a topic of conversation; Alma reveals she no longer trusts him.
Key passages
“I don't know what you are thinking about, Alma Leighton. If you don't like Mr. Beaton—”
Mrs. Leighton confronts Alma about her feelings for Beaton.
Reveals the mother-daughter conflict over Alma's romantic decisions.
“Because—because I’m wedded to my Art, and I’m not going to commit bigamy, whatever I do.”
Alma jokingly says she is married to her art and won't be unfaithful by marrying Beaton.
Highlights Alma's commitment to her artistic career over marriage.
