William—An Englishman · Chapters
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Chapter companions for William—An Englishman by Cicely Hamilton.
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Chapter 1
I
William Tully, a mild-mannered clerk, emerges from a life of obedience after his mother's death in 1910, inheriting a modest income. He befriends his fellow outsider Faraday and later becomes a Social Reformer, meeting and marrying the suffragette Griselda in 1914 after a whirlwind romance.
Chapter 2
II
This chapter describes the ideal mating of William and Griselda, who share identical views, rigid standards, and a simple creed centered on 'the People' and 'Woman.' They are portrayed as self-righteous sectarians, pacifists who are combative against domestic opponents, and internationalists who know little of foreign nations. Their engagement is marked by a solemn vow in Battersea Park to serve Progress and Humanity. The chapter culminates in Griselda's protest at a Cabinet Minister's audience, where she interrupts the speaker, leading to her removal by stewards.
Chapter 3
III
William and Griselda marry on July 23rd and depart for their honeymoon in the Belgian Ardennes, lent to them by the revolutionary Madame Amberg. Their journey takes them from London to Ostend, then by train and boat to a secluded valley where they confront an unfamiliar, peaceful solitude that unsettles their urban, activist convictions.
Chapter 4
IV
William and Griselda enjoy their final days in the Belgian Ardennes, observing distant soldiers and gunfire which they dismiss as maneuvers, while planning their return to London. They receive an illegible note from Madame Peys and prepare for a hike, unaware that the sounds they hear are the opening of World War I.
Chapter 5
V
William and Griselda discover the Peys farm deserted, with livestock and carts gone, and a mysterious grave in the garden. They grapple with fear and uncertainty, deciding not to report the grave to authorities due to language barriers and legal concerns. They spend a tense night in their cottage, alert for any sound, and plan to leave the next morning.
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