A Gentleman of Leisure · Chapter
Making a Start explained
Jimmy Pitt, lost in the snow while trying to reach Dreever Castle, unexpectedly encounters Molly McEachern.
What happens
Jimmy Pitt, lost in the snow while trying to reach Dreever Castle, unexpectedly encounters Molly McEachern. Their conversation reveals Jimmy's growing feelings for her and his discomfort at being just an acquaintance. Molly shares the story of how her father foiled a theft of Lady Julia Blunt's diamond necklace in Paris, a secret kept from Lady Julia. As they walk toward the castle, Jimmy struggles with jealousy over Molly's sympathy for Lord Dreever, while Molly senses a romantic mystery about Jimmy.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Marriage
Jimmy's deep feelings for Molly are evident as he struggles with the gap between his romantic dreams and their actual acquaintance. His jealousy over her sympathy for Lord Dreever underscores his romantic interest.
Deception and Appearances
The secret diamond theft, kept from Lady Julia, highlights the theme of hidden truths. Molly's accidental revelation to Jimmy and the subsequent trust she places in him also play into this theme.
Social Class and Wealth
The diamond necklace valued at a hundred thousand dollars, the contrast between American wealth (McEachern) and English aristocracy (the Blunts and Dreever), and the dynamics of the country house setting all reflect class and wealth.
Characters to notice
- Jimmy Pitt
Lost in the snow, Jimmy meets Molly McEachern again and feels a mix of joy and insecurity. He learns about the diamond theft and struggles with jealousy over Molly's concern for Lord Dreever.
- Molly McEachern
Molly encounters Jimmy while out walking and shares the story of her father foiling a diamond theft. She shows sympathy for Lord Dreever and curiosity about Jimmy's romantic life.
- John McEachern
Molly recounts how her father caught a thief attempting to steal Lady Julia's diamond necklace in Paris, earning Sir Thomas's gratitude.
- Sir Thomas Blunt
Molly describes Sir Thomas as fussy and bullying, and reveals his secret about the diamond theft. He is terrified of Lady Julia and insists on keeping the jewels in a special box.
- Lady Julia Blunt
Molly detests Lady Julia, calling her hard and hateful. Lady Julia remains unaware of the diamond theft attempt.
- Spennie Dreever
Lord Dreever is mentioned as having misdirected Jimmy and as being bullied by his aunt and uncle. Molly expresses sympathy for him.
Key passages
“Self-possession was one of Jimmy’s leading characteristics, but for the moment he found himself speechless.”
Jimmy was usually calm and composed, but he was momentarily at a loss for words.
Highlights Jimmy's emotional vulnerability upon meeting Molly.
“I’ve got the go-fever, like the man in Kipling’s book." "But he was in love." "Yes," said Jimmy; "he was. That’s the bacillus, you know.”
Jimmy compares his restlessness to a character in Kipling who was in love, implying that love is the cause of his own restlessness.
Jimmy subtly reveals his romantic feelings for Molly.
“She never knew. Sir Thomas got back to the hotel an hour before she did. I’ve never seen such a busy hour.”
Lady Julia remained unaware of the theft attempt because Sir Thomas returned to the hotel before her and orchestrated a cover-up.
Describes the secret kept from Lady Julia about the diamond theft.