Romance and Infatuation

Romantic love is treated comically through characters like Robert, Ethel, and William's own crushes, often involving absurd schemes (e.g., white rats) and misunderstandings.

Robert's infatuation with Miss Cannon is comically thwarted by William's innocent intrusions, while Miss Cannon herself seems more charmed by William than by Robert.

William's sudden crush on Miss Drew drives his actions, from stealing flowers to feigning interest in lessons.

Mr. French's infatuation with Ethel drives him to bribe William and endure the rat disasters.

Mr. French's infatuation with Ethel drives the plot, leading to his bribery of William.