Nettie Underwood

Dr. Edward Rider

Dr. Edward Rider and Nettie Underwood share a deeply romantic and devoted relationship, with Edward often relying on Nettie's strength and care.

Fred Rider

Fred Rider is a close friend and confidant to Nettie Underwood, often supporting her in family matters.

Susan Rider

Nettie Underwood and Susan Rider are sisters-in-law, sharing a supportive and caring bond within the Rider family.

Richard Chatham

Nettie Underwood and Richard Chatham are acquaintances, with Richard possibly being a suitor or friend from the community.

Lucy Wodehouse

Lucy Wodehouse and Nettie Underwood are close friends, often confiding in each other and providing mutual support.

The Bushman

Nettie Underwood and The Bushman have a social acquaintance, likely through community or family connections.

Mr. Wentworth

Mr. Wentworth and Nettie Underwood are social acquaintances, possibly with some romantic interest or familial connection.

The Rector

Nettie Underwood and The Rector have a social relationship, likely through church or community duties.

Dr. Edward Rider

Dr. Edward Rider and Nettie Underwood share a deeply romantic and devoted relationship, with Edward often relying on Nettie's strength and care.

Susan Rider

Nettie Underwood and Susan Rider are sisters-in-law, sharing a supportive and caring bond within the Rider family.

Fred Rider

Fred Rider is a close friend and confidant to Nettie Underwood, often supporting her in family matters.

Fred Rider

Fred Rider is a close friend and confidant to Nettie Underwood, often supporting her in family matters.

The Doctor's Family

Arrives and begins to take charge of the family, demonstrating competence and independence.

Chapter II

Takes charge of the situation, moving Fred's family to a hotel. Returns the next morning with Susan, speaking boldly and controlling the conversation with Dr. Rider.

III

Takes charge of the household, finds lodgings near St. Roque's, and commands Dr. Rider's assistance with authority and grace.

IV

Takes charge of Fred's family, discusses finances and plans with Dr. Rider, showing practicality and resolve.

Chapter V

Defends her role as caretaker of the family, dismisses marriage as a distraction, and shows her spirited, practical nature.

VI

Nettie is the central figure, managing the household with cheerful will and ceaseless activity. She accepts Fred's faults and her role without complaint, though she has given up trying to quicken him into life.

Chapter VII

Shows her practical and independent nature, managing the family and discussing Fred's behavior with the doctor.

Chapter VIII

Maintains a reserved demeanor to discourage Dr. Rider; rejects his proposal out of duty to Fred's children and awareness of their incompatible temperaments.

Another Life and a Changed World

Experiences a sudden disenchantment and recognizes her personal loss; continues her duties with silent heroism; later identifies Fred's body and takes charge of the situation.

The Morning After

Takes charge of the aftermath of Fred's drowning, retrieves his body, and manages the household with resolute courage.

Chapter XI

Feels deep, solitary pity for Fred's wasted life, contrasting with the selfishness of Susan and the indifference of the children; her eyes are opened to the hopelessness of her charge.

XII

Resigned to her duty, she works at her sewing while Susan occupies the sofa; she recognizes the inevitability of her continued sacrifice.

XII

Seen by Dr. Rider on Grange Lane; he feels shame recalling his earlier attentions to her.

XIII

Struggles with the burden of caring for her sister's family and the pressure to return to Australia, while grappling with her own sacrifice and feelings for Dr. Rider.

XIV

Resolute and impatient, Nettie decides to take Susan and the children to Australia, rejecting any possibility of marriage.

Chapter XV

Decides to leave Carlingford and return to Australia, as reported by Mrs. Smith; her determination is evident in her words and actions.

Chapter XVI

Stunned and hurt by Susan's announcement, she abdicates her role as family caretaker with quiet dignity.

Chapter XVII

Separates her belongings from the family's, asserts her independence, and confronts Dr. Rider about their relationship.

XVIII

Now married to Dr. Rider, she has transformed the doctor's house into a home and continues to assert her independence.