Book I: Two Men
Introduced as one of the two men; a wealthy, reserved man recently returned from Europe.
II: A Discussion
Bertram's uncle, a Wall Street magnate, who warns against the dangers of speculation and the pursuit of wealth.
IV: Searchings
The narrator, who disguises himself as a workman to enter the Preston house and later reflects on his obsessive pursuit.
Mrs. Sylvester
Listens to his nephew's story, offers cautious advice, and reveals his ambition to head a bank.
X: The Barred Door
Shows deep unease at the sight of the woman and the barred house, revealing his connection to the Japha family. He is melancholic and finds comfort in Paula's presence.
XI: Miss Stuyvesant
Hosts the reception, reveals his ambition to become bank president, and is deeply impressed by Miss Stuyvesant's character. Later writes to Miss Belinda to arrange taking Paula.
XII: Miss Belinda Makes Conditions
Proposes to take Paula into his home, showing deep affection and a desire to make her his child. He negotiates with Miss Belinda, offering her oversight of Paula's moral welfare.
XIII: The End of My Lady's Picture
Proudly introduces Paula to his wife and nephew; reveals his election as bank president and a changed opinion of women.
Life and Death
Receives a mysterious summons, hinting at a significant event.
Miss Belinda Has a Question to Decide
The subject of the letters and the request. He is portrayed as a kind, generous, and respected man, though Paula's letters hint at a mysterious trouble or secret in his past.
XVI: The Sword of Damocles
Shaken by Paula's story, he reacts with a start when she mentions the sword of Damocles, revealing his inner turmoil.
XVII: Grave and Gay
Warned by Miss Stuyvesant about Stadler's inquiries; appears uneasy and turns pale.
XVIII: In the Night Watches
Returns home late, passes Ona's room, goes out again, and returns at six o'clock, stopping at Ona's room.
A Day at the Bank
Bertram's uncle and president of the bank, who fails to appear for a crucial directors' meeting, causing widespread concern.
The Dregs in the Cup
Shows signs of profound grief and a deeper, unfathomable emotion; gives Bertram a secret mission to retrieve papers.
XXI: Departure
Grieving and conflicted, he sends Bertram on a mission and later bids Paula a heart-wrenching farewell, revealing his deep affection and his decision to keep her at a distance.
XXII: Hopgood
Visits Hopgood's daughter, questions Hopgood about the vault incident, appears distressed.
Book III: The Japha Mystery
Appears to be drawn into the Japha mystery, showing a keen interest in Jacqueline's story.
XXVI: A Man’s Justice and a Woman’s Mercy
The narrator, who recounts the events and offers mercy to Jacqueline.
XXVIII: Sunshine on the Hills
Recalled by Paula through memories of her time in New York; his influence lingers in her thoughts.
XXIX: Mist in the Valley
Mentioned as looking wan and ill, and lonely, which triggers Paula's desire to go back to him.
Book IV: From A. To Z.
Bertram Sylvester, whose past and present actions shape the course of events.
XXX: Miss Belinda Presents Mr. Sylvester with a Christmas Gift
Receives Paula as a Christmas gift, shows deep emotion, gives her a locket, and asks for her prayers.
A Question
Struggles with jealousy and guilt over Paula's affection for Ensign; questions his own worthiness.
Full Tide
Struggles with his love for Paula, feeling the conflict between his past and his desire for happiness.
XXXIII: Two Letters
Writes a passionate letter to Paula, confessing his love and asking for her undivided affection.
XXXIV: Paula Makes Her Choice
Waits anxiously for Paula's decision, shows deep emotion and vulnerability, ultimately encourages her to follow her heart.
Miss Belinda Makes Conditions
Towers over Bertram with a terrible expression upon hearing of the bank robbery, but his wonder remains. He sits down dazed, and insists on a private inquiry, showing his authority and concern for the bank's reputation.
Morning
Not present but central; his letter and note drive the chapter's events.
XXXVII: The Opinion of a Certain Noted Detective
Hosts the meeting with the detective, questions the janitor, and is visibly affected by Hopgood's revelation about his early morning visit to the vaults.
XXXVII: The Opinion of a Certain Noted Detective
Present during the interrogation, his pale countenance and quivering lip suggest inner turmoil; he is called out during the questioning.
Blue-Beard's Chamber
Absent from the chapter, but his note and the mystery of his private room dominate Paula's thoughts. His letter to Paula is discovered.
XXXIX: From A. To Z.
Confesses his past sins and the blackmail by Mr. Delafield.
Woman's Love
Key figure in Paula's life, representing a potential romantic interest or commitment.
XLI: The Work of an Hour
Confronts Roger Holt about Jacqueline Japha, reveals his identity as the bank president, and is present when the fire breaks out.
XLII: Paula Relates a Story She Has Heard
Takes charge of the situation, promising care for Jacqueline and the child's burial, and confronts Holt.
XLIII: Determination
Struggles with guilt and the weight of his confession, tries to protect Paula from his disgrace.
In Mr. Stuyvesant’s Parlors
Clears Bertram's name and advocates for mercy, showing his just and merciful nature.
In Mr. Stuyvesant’s Parlors
Demonstrates integrity by refusing to accept Cicely's hand until fully exonerated.
The Man Cummins
Celebrates his marriage to Paula and learns the truth about the bank robbery from Cummins, who is revealed to be Hopgood in disguise.
The Man Cummins
Present at the wedding, discusses the search for Hopgood, and witnesses Cummins's revelation.
