Gerald Foster

Sally Nicholas

Gerald is a former fiancé who broke off their engagement, and his reappearance stirs old feelings and complications.

Sally Nicholas

Gerald is a former fiancé who broke off their engagement, and his reappearance stirs old feelings and complications.

Sally Nicholas

Gerald is a former fiancé who broke off their engagement, and his reappearance stirs old feelings and complications.

I: Sally Gives a Party

Announces his play will be produced by Cracknell, but is evasive about the casting of Mabel Hobson.

II

Arrives on the scene and greets Sally warmly. He is described as an Englishman in his mid-twenties, good-looking, and appears to be someone who 'gets there.'

III

Gerald is excited about his play being produced but shows embarrassment and hesitation when explaining the casting choice of Mabel Hobson.

V: Sally Hears News

Has left town for Detroit for the tryout of his play. Sally plans to go to Detroit but later telegraphs that she cannot make it.

VI: First Aid for Fillmore

Appears gloomy and self-centered, complaining about the theatre closure and the troubles with the production.

I

Self-centered and worried about his play's postponement; asks Sally to keep their engagement secret.

II

Sitting in the front row with the producer, urging the actors to speak their lines properly.

III

Tries to end the argument about the paper-knife and cat, and later talks with Mr. Bunbury.

IV

Gerald is present at the theatre, looking miserable, which prompts Sally's decision to invest.

VII: Some Meditations on Success

Cheerful and talkative, focused on his upcoming success and the opportunities it will bring, oblivious to Sally's growing unease.

I

His play, The Primrose Way, is a success in Detroit, and he is hailed as a coming author.

I

Away in Chicago, superintending the opening of The Primrose Way and revising another play.

III

Mentioned as having married Elsa Doland, an event that profoundly affects Sally.

XI: Sally Runs Away

Referenced in Sally's letter; she burned his last letter without reading it.

XIV: Mr. Abrahams Re-Engages an Old Employee

His play The Primrose Way was a success, but his marriage to Elsa has gone 'all to bits.'

II

Elsa's husband, now living across the hall, reportedly drinking and in a bad state.

I

His new play 'The Wild Rose' is mentioned as a failure.

V

Gerald appears unexpectedly at Sally's doorway at the end of the chapter.

XVII: Sally Lays a Ghost

Gerald, drunk and resentful, trashes Elsa's apartment, then shows weakness and self-pity, ultimately being ordered to leave by Sally.

I

Drunk and maudlin, lamenting his failed playwriting career and expressing a desire to end it all.

II

In a drunken, self-pitying state, he trashes Elsa's apartment and then tries to justify his actions to Sally.

III

Hungover and disheveled, he is seen by Carmyle and ordered to leave, which he does without much resistance.