Short Fiction · Chapter
The Courtship of Susan Bell explained
The chapter follows the Bell family—widow Mrs.
What happens
The chapter follows the Bell family—widow Mrs. Bell and her daughters Hetta and Susan—living quietly in Saratoga Springs. Susan catches the attention of Aaron Dunn, a young railroad engineer, but their budding romance is interrupted when Mrs. Bell, influenced by Hetta's fiancé Mr. Beckard, sends Aaron away. Susan falls into despair, but Aaron later writes that he has secured a permanent position and wishes to marry her. He returns, and after a tense reunion, the mother finally consents to their engagement.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Marriage
The central plot revolves around Susan and Aaron's courtship, the mother's fears, and the eventual happy engagement.
Family Duty and Sacrifice
Mrs. Bell's decision to send Aaron away is driven by her sense of duty to protect her daughters, and Susan's obedience causes her great sorrow.
Economic Hardship and Charity
The Bells' modest means—taking in boarders, living in a small cottage—highlight the economic realities of widowhood and the importance of Aaron's steady job.
Characters to notice
- Mrs. Bell
Widowed mother of Hetta and Susan; anxious and protective, she initially sends Aaron away but later rejoices at his return and proposal.
- Susan Bell
The younger daughter, nineteen, who falls in love with Aaron Dunn; she is heartbroken when he is sent away but overjoyed when he returns to propose.
- Hetta Bell
The elder daughter, nearly twenty-one, demure and religious; she becomes engaged to Mr. Beckard and is absent during Aaron's return.
- Aaron Dunn
A young railroad engineer who courts Susan; he is sent away by Mrs. Bell but later returns with a permanent position and proposes marriage.
- Mr. Beckard
Hetta's fiancé, a farmer's son from near Utica; he advises Mrs. Bell to send Aaron away, but his own engagement proceeds smoothly.
Key passages
“John Munroe Bell had been a lawyer in Albany, State of New York, and as such had thriven well. He had thriven well as long as thrift and thriving on this earth had been allowed to him. But the Almighty had seen fit to shorten his span.”
John Munroe Bell was a successful lawyer in Albany, New York, until his early death.
Establishes the family's background and the widow's circumstances.
“Why, oh why, had she driven away from her doorsill the love of an honest man?”
Mrs. Bell bitterly regretted sending away the honest man who loved her daughter.
Reflects the mother's remorse after Susan falls ill from heartbreak.
“I have now got a permanent situation on the Erie line, and the salary is enough for myself and a wife. At least I think so, and I hope you will too. I shall be down at Saratoga tomorrow evening, and I hope neither Susan, nor you will refuse to receive me.”
Aaron writes that he has a steady job on the Erie Railroad, enough to support a wife, and asks to visit Susan and Mrs. Bell.
Aaron's letter signals his intent to propose and his improved circumstances.
“I have asked her to be my wife, said he,”
Aaron directly states that he has proposed to Susan.
The climax of the chapter, confirming his intentions.