Love and Romance

Where it surfaces

• I

  Lord Oakhurst's devotion to his wife and his memories of their courtship highlight the theme of romantic love.

• Fickle Fortune or How Gladys Hustled

  The plot revolves around Gladys's shifting affections based on wealth, satirizing romantic idealism.

• Three Paragraphs

  The woman's delirious recollections of her love for Jack and her regret over defying her parents underscore the theme of love and its consequences.

• Chapter III

  Mabel discards Charlie and becomes engaged to the Chinaman, showing fickle romantic attachments.

• The Colonel’s Romance

  The colonel's rediscovery of a lost love note and his eventual marriage to Nellie underscore the enduring power of love despite missed opportunities.

• Reconciliation

  The couple's initial reconciliation is steeped in romantic language and gestures, but it quickly gives way to conflict.

• Her Mysterious Charm

  Roland's paradoxical confession of love despite listing Gabrielle's supposed shortcomings highlights the irrational and mysterious nature of romantic attraction.

• A Startling Demonstration

  The story contrasts the initial happiness of the marriage with the betrayal revealed through mind reading.

• After Supper

  Mr. Sharp's attempt at romantic praise contrasts with his wife's mundane response.

• A Pastel

  The scene depicts a romantic or quasi-romantic conflict, with the man's desperate pleas and the woman's willful defiance, though the outcome is comically anticlimactic.

• The Prisoner of Zembla

  Princess Astla's love for the poor student drives the plot, though the romance is undercut by the knight's mercantile demand.

• In Mezzotint

  The story explores love as a destructive force, with the patient dying of a broken heart and the wife's guilt leading to her suicide.

• An Unknown Romance

  The brief, silent exchange of flowers in the Alps represents a pure romantic connection that both characters secretly treasure.

• The Lotus and the Cockleburrs

  Johnny's romance with Rosine and their eventual marriage drive the plot.

• The Proem

  Isabel Guilbert's romantic entanglements with President Miraflores and later Frank Goodwin drive the narrative.

• The Lotus and the Bottle

  Geddie's proposal to Paula and his unresolved feelings for Ida are central, highlighting romantic choices and the allure of new love.

• Caught

  Goodwin shields Isabel after the tragedy, and they marry, suggesting a redemptive romance arising from crisis.

• Cupid's Exile Number Two

  Johnny's exile is driven by unrequited love for Rosine Hemstetter, who rejects him for a farmer.

• Shoes

  Johnny's unresolved feelings for Rosine drive his actions, and her arrival rekindles his hope despite the predicament.

• Dicky

  Dicky and Pasa's deep devotion to each other is central, with Pasa's willingness to sacrifice and Dicky's protective actions.

• The Vitagraphoscope

  The letter congratulates Frank Goodwin on his marriage, and the final scene shows a couple walking close together in a tropical setting.

• By Courier

  The central plot revolves around a romantic misunderstanding and reconciliation, with the courier facilitating a final appeal between estranged lovers.

• Madame Bo-Peep, of the Ranches

  The unresolved romantic tension between Octavia and Teddy, marked by past rejection and present emotional barriers, drives the chapter's emotional core.

• The Struggle of the Outliers

  Holcombe's courtship of Katie is portrayed as romantic, but the twist reveals it was a ruse to secure a cook, subverting traditional romance.

• A Professional Secret

  The romantic relationship between Annabel and T. Ripley Ashburton is central, with love portrayed as both a healing force and a source of confusion.

• Cupid à la Carte

  The central plot revolves around Jeff's romantic pursuit of Mame and her eventual change of heart.

• The Cactus

  The central plot revolves around Trysdale's courtship and the tragic miscommunication that ends the relationship.

• The Renaissance at Charleroi

  Grandemont's persistent love for Adèle Fauquier, conditional on finding her brother, drives his actions and adds a romantic subplot.

• The Left Branch

  David's instant love for Lucie and his willingness to sacrifice himself for her happiness drive the plot.

• The Main Road

  David's love for Yvonne initially brings him back home, but his subsequent obsession with poetry strains their relationship, showing the fragility of romance under pressure.

• A Retrieved Reformation

  Jimmy's love for Annabel drives his transformation from criminal to respectable citizen.

• One Dollar's Worth

  Romantic love drives both the main plot (Littlefield and Nancy's engagement) and the subplot (Rafael's sacrifice for Joya).

• October and June

  The Captain's romantic pursuit of Theodora and her rejection based on age difference.

• The Whirligig of Life

  The couple's reconciliation and remarriage highlight the enduring nature of love despite conflict.

• A Chaparral Christmas Gift

  The unrequited love of Johnny McRoy for Rosita McMullen drives the plot, leading to jealousy, revenge, and tragedy.

• The Sphinx Apple

  The central theme of the chapter is the storytelling contest, where each passenger offers a version of Redruth's failed romance, exploring different perspectives on love and heartbreak.

• The Pimienta Pancakes

  The romantic subplot between Jackson Bird and Miss Willella Learight drives the narrative, culminating in their marriage.

• The Ferry of Unfulfilment

  The Man from Nome is instantly smitten and pursues the girl, hoping to win her affection despite her initial dismissal.

• The Enchanted Kiss

  Tansey's silent, intense adoration of Katie Peek drives his actions, culminating in a rescue and a kiss that fulfills his romantic dreams.

• The Reformation of Calliope

  The mother's unconditional love for her son inspires a reformation in Calliope and mercy from the marshal.

• Witches’ Loaves

  Miss Martha's romantic daydreams about the customer, imagining a future together, drive her actions.

• The Romance of a Busy Broker

  The story's central irony: Maxwell's love for Miss Leslie is genuine but buried under his obsession with work, leading him to propose to his own wife.

• The Brief Debut of Tildy

  Tildy's longing for romantic attention and her brief, illusory experience of being desired.

• The Easter of the Soul

  The central theme: McQuirk's unexplained restlessness is revealed to be love for Annie Maria Doyle, leading to his proposal.

• The Complete Life of John Hopkins

  Hopkins experiences a fleeting, chivalric romance with the mysterious lady, kissing a rose and feeling a knightly love, though it is ultimately illusory.

• The Gold That Glittered

  General Falcon abandons his revolutionary mission for love of Mrs. O'Brien, choosing marriage and a hotel over war.

• The Missing Chord

  Rush Kinney's courtship of Marilla and his eventual marriage to her, culminating in him buying her a real piano.

• One Thousand Dollars

  Gillian's unrequited love for Miss Hayden drives his selfless act of giving her the money, despite knowing she does not return his feelings.

• A Comedy in Rubber

  A parody of romance: William and Violet's love is sparked and sustained by their shared obsession with rubbering at accidents and oddities.

• The Greater Coney

  The central conflict is a lovers' quarrel, and the resolution occurs when Dennis and Norah admit they came to the beach to think of each other, reaffirming their bond.

• The Caliph, Cupid and the Clock

  The central plot revolves around a young man's anxious wait for a forgiveness signal from his beloved, highlighting romantic tension and reconciliation.

• The Love-Philtre of Ikey Schoenstein

  The story revolves around romantic pursuits: Ikey's unrequited love for Rosy and Chunk's successful elopement with her, highlighting the lengths people go to for love.

• The Coming-Out of Maggie

  Maggie's first romantic experience and her joy at having a suitor, despite the deception, drive the plot and her emotional arc.

• Hearts and Crosses

  The heart-and-cross sign symbolizes the couple's secret love and shared suffering during their courtship.

• The Ransom of Mack

  The chapter explores romantic entanglements, including Mack's misguided infatuation with Rebosa and the genuine love between Rebosa and Eddie.

• The Green Door

  Rudolf feels an instant connection with the girl, seeing her as the missing face from his heart's gallery, and their shared loneliness hints at budding romance.

• The Church with an Overshot-Wheel

  The deep familial love between Father Abram and his daughter Aglaia is central, culminating in their emotional reunion.

• The Badge of Policeman O’Roon

  Remsen experiences love at first sight with Lady Angela, but his sense of duty prevents him from revealing his true self.

• A Service of Love

  The story culminates in a revelation of self-sacrificial love, where each partner's willingness to endure hardship for the other's art redefines the meaning of service.

• Psyche and the Pskyscraper

  Daisy's romantic dilemma between the sincere, persistent Joe and the intellectual but detached Dabster, resolved by her return to Joe's warmth.

• Vanity and Some Sables

  Molly's love for Kid transcends material possessions, as she accepts him despite the deception about the furs.

• The Unknown Quantity

  Dan's marriage to Mary Boyne serves as a personal, albeit partial, form of restitution, blending romance with economic justice.

• The Song and the Sergeant

  The comedian's unspoken love for Miss Carroll causes her to misinterpret his song, leading to the conflict.

• Mammon and the Archer

  Richard's pursuit of Miss Lantry and the romantic proposal at the end highlight the theme of love overcoming obstacles.

• Little Speck in Garnered Fruit

  Kid McGarry's quest for a peach symbolizes the lengths of devotion and sacrifice in early marriage.

• The Red Roses of Tonia

  The chapter centers on the romantic competition between Pearson and Burrows to win Tonia's favor by obtaining her Easter hat.

• Springtime à la Carte

  Sarah's love for Walter is the central emotional driver, symbolized by dandelions and culminating in their reunion.

• The Marry Month of May

  The chapter explores romantic impulses stirred by spring, from Mr. Coulson's late-life proposal to Miss Coulson's unexpected elopement, all framed as whimsical and irrational.

• Roses, Ruses and Romance

  The story centers on romantic longing and the use of floral symbols to convey love, though the romance is comically misplaced.

• The Voice of the City

  The ultimate answer to the city's voice is found in a silent, romantic moment between the narrator and Aurelia, suggesting that love and personal connection are the true essence of urban life.

• Sisters of the Golden Circle

  The chapter centers on two newlywed couples and the silent bond between brides, highlighting the joy and sacrifice of love.

• The Dog and the Playlet

  The chapter explores romantic love through Hollis's engagement and the betrayal that shatters his trust, culminating in a dramatic emotional outburst.

• A Midsummer Knight's Dream

  The mock tournament and crowning of the queen evoke a chivalric romance, mirrored in Gaines's enduring love for his wife Mary.

• The Lost Blend

  Con's bashful love for Katherine and his eventual bold proposal after drinking the lost blend.

• Nemesis and the Candy Man

  Ives's plea for forgiveness and Honoria's coldness; Mademoiselle's flirtation with the candy man.

• A Bird of Bagdad

  The young man's motivation is his love for Laura, and the riddle contest is a comedic obstacle to winning her hand.

• The Plutonian Fire

  The central theme explores love as both a personal ordeal and a source of artistic inspiration, culminating in Pettit's rejection of exploiting it for profit.

• The Last Leaf

  Sue's selfless care for Johnsy and Behrman's ultimate sacrifice demonstrate profound love and friendship.

• Blind Man's Holiday

  Lorison's impulsive love and marriage, followed by abandonment and jealousy, drive the plot.

• Telemachus, Friend

  The central conflict arises from both men falling in love with Widow Jessup, leading to the dissolution of their friendship.

• A Double-Dyed Deceiver

  Señora Urique's unconditional motherly love transforms the Kid, leading him to abandon the con and embrace his role as her son.

• The Gift of the Magi

  The story centers on the selfless love between Della and Jim, who each sacrifice their most prized possession for the other.

• The Thing's the Play

  The story revolves around romantic entanglements: Helen's love for Frank, John's obsessive love, and the rekindling of affection between Helen and the amnesiac Frank.

• The Rubaiyat of a Scotch Highball

  The couple's love, symbolized by the Rubaiyat, ultimately redeems them as they choose to rebuild their life together.

• The Buyer from Cactus City

  Platt's immediate and earnest proposal to Miss Asher, despite her resistance, and her eventual change of heart highlight a romantic plot.

• The Harbinger

  The ironic twist of Mrs. Peters' genuine romantic response to Mr. Peters' false endearments, highlighting the power of love even in a miserable marriage.

• The Fool-Killer

  Kerner's devotion to the factory girl, despite disinheritance and the Fool-Killer's threats, underscores the theme of romantic love overcoming societal barriers.

• The Handbook of Hymen

  Both Pratt and Idaho court Mrs. Sampson, with Pratt's factual approach contrasting Idaho's poetic advances, leading to a romantic competition.

• Brickdust Row

  Blinker's sudden declaration of love during the boat accident is met with Florence's cynical response, highlighting the theme of romantic idealism versus reality.

• The Trimmed Lamp

  Nancy's rejection of a wealthy suitor due to his dishonesty, and Lou's relationship with Dan, explore different views on love, marriage, and practical considerations.

• The Purple Dress

  Maida's desire to impress Mr. Ramsay with her purple dress drives the plot, culminating in his admiration.

• Past One at Rooney's

  Cork and the girl experience a brief, intense romantic connection that is shattered by the revelation of her deception.

• Proof of the Pudding

  The chapter explores marital love and fidelity through the contrasting relationships of the Dawe and Westbrook couples, culminating in the shock of both wives' abandonment.

• The Halberdier of the Little Rheinschloss

  The halberdier endures hardship to win the love of the young woman, who ultimately embraces him.

• The Caballero's Way

  Tonia's love for the Kid is contrasted with her new romance with Sandridge, leading to tragic consequences.

• The World and the Door

  Merriam and Mrs. Conant find a transformative love that seems to redeem their troubled pasts.

• Next to Reading Matter

  The central plot revolves around romantic pursuit, mistaken identity, and the power of words in courtship.

• The Exact Science of Matrimony

  Mrs. Trotter genuinely falls in love with a suitor, complicating the fraudulent scheme and leading to a sentimental resolution.

• The Memento

  Arthur's idealized, distant love contrasts with Rosalie's real but deceptive romance, highlighting the theme of romantic ideals versus reality.

• The Enchanted Profile

  Ida's interest in the newspaper artist Lathrop suggests a romantic subplot, though it remains ambiguous whether his interest is genuine or motivated by money.

• The Headhunter

  The narrator's pursuit of Chloe Greene is framed through a bizarre, violent lens, contrasting her stated preference for small gestures with his extreme act of beheading his rival.

• The Moment of Victory

  Willie's unrequited love for Myra Allison motivates his actions, and her dismissal of him before the war adds a personal dimension to his quest for glory.

• Buried Treasure

  The narrator's romantic pursuit of May Martha Mangum drives the plot, culminating in their reunion and marriage.

• Strictly Business

  Cherry's emotional reaction to Hart's injury reveals her deep love, which Hart initially dismisses as impossible, only to disclose their existing marriage.

• III

  The romantic triangle between Barbara, Nevada, and Gilbert drives the chapter's tension.

• IV

  Nevada and Gilbert's impulsive midnight marriage proposal and acceptance, defying family opposition.

• The Discounters of Money

  Pilkins' romantic pursuit of Alice and the elopement of the Southern couple highlight different attitudes toward love and money.

• Thimble, Thimble

  The proposal and subsequent discussion between Olivia De Ormond and the Carterets revolve around romantic intentions and social codes.

• III

  Trotter's attachment to Timotea, a local girl, leads him to reject a stable job, highlighting love as a powerful, irrational force.

• To Him Who Waits

  The hermit's decade-long devotion to Edith Carr and his subsequent attraction to Beatrix Trenholme drive the romantic plot, culminating in a rejection and a wedding.

• II

  The narrator's unrequited love for Mildred Telfair and his eventual proposal over the phone drive the chapter's romantic plot.

• III

  Pescud's determined pursuit of Jessie Allyn, based on a chance train encounter, drives the chapter's romantic plot.

• IV

  Pescud's devotion to his wife Jessie is shown through his willingness to stop at a dismal town to find petunias for her.

• No Story

  Ada Lowery's journey to New York is driven by her romantic attachment to George Brown, symbolized by the split dime. The story explores the tension between youthful romance and practical marriage.

• A Poor Rule

  The chapter revolves around a romantic competition among four suitors for Ileen's affection, with the test of honesty serving as a strategic move in the courtship.