Short Fiction · Chapter
II: Ritchey explained
The narrator and his family move from the Baldwin Hotel to a Riverside Drive apartment, driven by Ella's desire to give Kate a chance to meet 'real men.' The move proves costly and impractical, with the apartment costing $4,000 a year and t
What happens
The narrator and his family move from the Baldwin Hotel to a Riverside Drive apartment, driven by Ella's desire to give Kate a chance to meet 'real men.' The move proves costly and impractical, with the apartment costing $4,000 a year and the family struggling to find affordable help. The chapter also reveals that Trumbull's driver, Ritchey, is married with children, which dashes Kate's romantic interest in him.
Themes in this chapter
Class and Aspiration
The family's move to Riverside Drive is driven by a desire to climb socially and provide Kate with opportunities to meet wealthy men, despite the financial strain.
Marriage and Gender Roles
Ella's focus on finding a husband for Kate and the narrator's role as the breadwinner highlight traditional gender roles and the importance of marriage for women's security.
Characters to notice
- Ella
The narrator's wife, who insists on moving to Riverside Drive to improve Kate's chances of meeting a suitable man, despite the high cost.
- Kate Hayes
The narrator's sister-in-law, who is the focus of the family's efforts to find a husband. She is initially interested in Trumbull's driver, Ritchey, but loses interest upon learning he is married.
- Mr. Trumbull
A wealthy older man who is infatuated with Kate and offers the use of his car and driver, Ritchey, while he is away.
- Ritchey
Trumbull's driver, described as trustworthy and devoted to his family, which includes a wife and two children.
Key passages
““Sis,” she says, “here’s the chance of a lifetime. Mr. Trumbull’s head over heels in love with you and all as you have to do is encourage him a little. Can’t you try and like him?””
Ella urges Kate to consider Mr. Trumbull as a suitor, emphasizing the opportunity he represents.
Ella sees Trumbull as a good match for Kate, but Kate is not interested.
““I’d write to an employment agency,” I says, “and I’d tell them we’ll pay good wages.””
The narrator suggests using an employment agency and offering higher wages to find a cook.
The family's initial attempts to hire a cook at low wages fail, leading to this suggestion.