Ursula May

Reginald May

Reginald is Ursula's father, a clergyman who is both protective and often exasperated by her romantic entanglements.

Janey

Janey is Ursula's younger sister, who looks up to her and is often involved in her schemes.

Phoebe Tozer

Phoebe and Ursula are rivals for Reginald May's love, with Phoebe ultimately winning his hand.

Clarence Copperhead

Clarence and Ursula are acquaintances who move in the same social circles, but share little direct interaction.

Phoebe Beecham

Phoebe Beecham and Ursula May are close friends, though Ursula's romantic rivalry with Phoebe Tozer creates some strain.

Cousin Sophy

Cousin Sophy is Ursula's relative, who acts as a gossipy and meddling influence in her life.

Mr. Northcote

Mr. Northcote is a family friend to the Mays, often offering Ursula advice and financial help.

Cousin Anne

Cousin Anne is a kind and sensible relative who supports Ursula through her romantic disappointments.

Reginald May

Reginald is Ursula's father, a clergyman who is both protective and often exasperated by her romantic entanglements.

Janey

Janey is Ursula's younger sister, who looks up to her and is often involved in her schemes.

Reginald May

Reginald is Ursula's father, a clergyman who is both protective and often exasperated by her romantic entanglements.

Janey

Janey is Ursula's younger sister, who looks up to her and is often involved in her schemes.

Mr. Copperhead's Ball

A poor relative attending with the Dorsets, dressed in white, attending her first ball with delight and anticipation.

IV: A Country Party

The eldest daughter of a poor Carlingford clergyman, burdened with motherly duties at home. She is enjoying a rare holiday in London and is naive about the social maneuvering around her.

VI: A Morning Call

Visits the Copperheads with Cousin Anne, naively enjoying Clarence's attention and the grandeur, but feeling confused by social undercurrents.

Shopping

Ursula is deeply impressed by Mrs. Copperhead's wealth and generosity, and she daydreams about marrying a rich man who could provide for her family.

VIII: The Dorsets

Packing to return home, expresses love for London and gratitude for gifts; insists she is not thinking of marriage, but shows an innocent admiration for Sir Robert.

Coming Home

Returns home from London, bringing presents and news, and is struck by the disorder of the parsonage.

X: Papa

Returns from London, resolves to convince Reginald to accept a sinecure, feeling her life brightened by the prospect of his proximity and support.

XIV: Strangers

Returns home from London, converses with Mrs. Hurst, and later spots a mysterious gentleman and a lady with golden hair.

XV: A Domestic Crisis

Recently returned home, Ursula tries to maintain household order and supports Reginald against their father's harsh words.

XVI: The New Gentleman

Previously puzzled by Northcote's formal dress; her observation is recalled in this chapter.

XIX: The New Chaplain

Eagerly welcomes Phoebe on the walk and later discusses Reginald's new house and income.

XX: That Tozer Girl!

Ursula is distressed and defensive when Mrs. Hurst reveals that Miss Beecham is old Tozer's granddaughter, and she blushes at the news that Clarence Copperhead might come to the parsonage.

A New Friend

Torn between her desire to befriend Phoebe and societal pressure; she is relieved when her father allows the friendship.

XXII: A Desperate Expedient

Hosts the tea, pours tea for the children, and tries to soothe Phoebe's feelings about Dissent.

A Visit

Receives her first dinner invitation to the Dorsets'; her father is unusually kind and encourages her to dress nicely.

XXVI: The Hall

Ursula is seated next to Clarence Copperhead at dinner, feeling fluttered and later piqued by his inattention. She seeks refuge with Cousin Anne and reflects on her own foolish fancies.

XXVIII: The New Pupil

Present during the visit, she is anxious about the upcoming dinner party and whispers to Phoebe, expressing her nervousness.

Ursula's Entrées

Anxious and proud of her first formal dinner; devastated by her father's criticism of the entrées she made herself.

Society at the Parsonage

Unaware of Northcote's attack on her brother; her simple friendliness and housekeeping books inspire Northcote's idealized love.

XXXI: Society

Develops a talent for dinners, is the magnet of attraction for Northcote, though her father does not realize it; distressed by Phoebe's absence from skating.

XXXII: Lovemaking

Ursula discovers Mr. Northcote's love for her in the darkness under a laurel bush, without any declaration. She is startled, touched, and full of wonder, but does not think of a response.

A Disclosure

Ursula is confronted by Mrs. Hurst about her association with Dissenters and later learns that Mr. Northcote was the one who attacked Reginald. She is deeply moved by her father's forgiveness and struggles with her feelings.

XXXIV: An Extravagance

Ursula is troubled by the changes in the household, feeling lonely and anxious about returning to the old life.

The Millionaire

Prepares luncheon for Mr. Copperhead and is confused by his crude remarks about her presence.

Father and Son

Perplexed by the tensions, she stands by Phoebe and expresses dislike for Mr. Copperhead.

A Pleasant Evening

Shy and dreamy, avoids being alone with Northcote, but is absorbed in her own romantic feelings.

XXXVIII: An Expedition

Lost in the haze of new romantic feelings, she is distracted and silent at breakfast, approving of her father's quiet demeanor.

XXXIX: A Catastrophe

Hosts the evening; rushes downstairs after hearing the fall and leads the response.

XL: The Sinned-Against

Mentioned as having fallen from her position of command after getting Mr. May to bed.

XLI: A Morning's Work

Exhausted from nursing, she is persuaded by Phoebe to rest.

XLII: A Great Mental Shock

Distraught but trusting Northcote; their betrothal is sealed in a solemn moment as she asks him to act on her behalf.

The Conflict

Mentioned as the one Phoebe helped all night, caring for the ill Mr. May.

XLV: The Last

Bridesmaid at the wedding; talks with Sophy Dorset about love and happiness; is engaged to marry a non-Churchman.