Jack Keefe Stories · Chapter
The Courtship of T. Dorgan explained
Jack Keefe writes to Al about his new contract with the White Sox, his friendship with Tom Dorgan, and a car trip to Lyons with Florrie, the Dumonts, and Miss Mulvihill.
What happens
Jack Keefe writes to Al about his new contract with the White Sox, his friendship with Tom Dorgan, and a car trip to Lyons with Florrie, the Dumonts, and Miss Mulvihill. He later learns that Tom Dorgan and Miss Mulvihill are engaged, which he takes with mixed feelings.
Themes in this chapter
Friendship and Loyalty
Jack's loyalty to Tom Dorgan is evident as he tries to help him find a partner and feels sorry for his single life.
Marriage and Domesticity
Jack reflects on his own marriage to Florrie and the benefits of married life, while also facilitating Tom's engagement.
Humor and Irony
Jack's comedic descriptions of the cramped car ride and his self-deprecating humor about his appeal to women.
Characters to notice
- Jack Keefe
Narrator and protagonist; receives a new contract, arranges a date for Tom Dorgan, and later feels relieved that Miss Mulvihill is engaged to Tom.
- Tom Dorgan
Jack's roommate and best pal; a third-string catcher who gets engaged to Miss Mulvihill after Jack introduces them.
- Al Blanchard
The recipient of Jack's letters, referred to as 'Friend Al'.
- Miss Mulvihill
A woman introduced by the Dumonts; she initially flirts with Jack but eventually becomes engaged to Tom Dorgan.
- Kid Gleason
Jack's manager who advises him to keep his new contract quiet and uses him in key games.
- Walter Johnson
Pitcher for the Washington club; Jack mentions being saved to face him.
Key passages
“Gleason called me to 1 side in the club house and says he thought it was about time I was getting the real jack so if I would bring my old contract over to the pk. today he would give me a new 1 calling for $3,000.00 per annum.”
Gleason told Jack he deserved a raise and offered him a new contract for $3,000 a year.
Jack receives a contract upgrade, reflecting his growing value to the team.
“So I said 'You have got a fine idear of what cars costs these days and for $600.00 you can't even buy a tire rench.'”
Jack dismisses Florrie's suggestion to buy a car with his raise, saying $600 isn't enough.
Jack's practical view on finances contrasts with Florrie's desire for a car.
“Tom Dorgan called me to 1 side in the club house after the game this p.m. and said to not leave till he was ready to go with me so we come down under the stand together and there was this Mulvihill dame waiting for him and grinning like a monkey and Tom couldn't hardily talk he was so fussed up but finely it come out that they are engaged to be married.”
Tom Dorgan tells Jack he is engaged to Miss Mulvihill, showing her off with a diamond ring.
Tom and Miss Mulvihill's engagement resolves the romantic tension Jack felt.