The Adventures of Sally · Chapter
V: Sally Hears News explained
Sally Nicholas returns to New York from her travels, intending to stay at the St.
What happens
Sally Nicholas returns to New York from her travels, intending to stay at the St. Regis but deciding to return to Mrs. Meecher's boardinghouse to avoid being like her brother Fillmore. Upon arrival, she learns that Gerald Foster has left for Detroit for his play's tryout, and that Mr. Faucitt is ill with Spanish influenza. Sally visits Mr. Faucitt, lures away the yapping dog Toto, and offers to nurse him. She learns from Mr. Faucitt that Fillmore is engaged to a Miss Winch, which surprises her. The doctor confirms Mr. Faucitt has Spanish influenza, and Sally decides to stay and nurse him, telegraphing Gerald that she cannot make it to Detroit for the play's opening.
Themes in this chapter
Family Obligation and Conflict
Sally's decision to return to the boardinghouse is framed as avoiding being a 'female Fillmore,' showing her conflict with her brother's values. The news of Fillmore's engagement to Miss Winch also introduces a new family dynamic.
Generosity and Sacrifice
Sally chooses to stay and nurse Mr. Faucitt instead of going to Detroit for Gerald's play opening, demonstrating her selfless care for her friend.
Characters to notice
- Sally Nicholas
Returns to New York and decides to stay at Mrs. Meecher's boardinghouse. She is disappointed to learn Gerald has left for Detroit but is determined to see him. She takes on the role of nurse for Mr. Faucitt.
- Mr. Maxwell Faucitt
Ill with Spanish influenza. He is delighted to see Sally and appreciates her help in getting rid of Toto. He shares news about Fillmore's engagement.
- Fillmore Nicholas
Mentioned as being engaged to a Miss Winch, which surprises Sally. His engagement is a topic of discussion between Sally and Mr. Faucitt.
- Gerald Foster
Has left town for Detroit for the tryout of his play. Sally plans to go to Detroit but later telegraphs that she cannot make it.
- Mrs. Meecher
Informs Sally of Gerald's departure and Mr. Faucitt's illness. She believes Toto is a comfort to the sick man.
- Elsa Doland
Mentioned as being in Gerald's play company and having gone to Detroit for the tryout.
Key passages
“It would be time enough to sever herself from the boardinghouse which had been her home for three years when she had found the apartment. Meanwhile, the decent thing to do, if she did not want to brand herself in the sight of her conscience as a female Fillmore, was to go back temporarily to Mrs. Meecher’s admirable establishment and foregather with her old friends.”
Sally decides to postpone moving into a fancy apartment and instead returns to her old boardinghouse, feeling that it would be more honorable than acting like her brother Fillmore.
This shows Sally's internal conflict with her brother's values and her sense of duty to her old life.
“I rather fancy that the softening influence has been the young man’s fiancée.”
Mr. Faucitt suggests that Fillmore's improved demeanor is due to his engagement to Miss Winch.
This introduces the news of Fillmore's engagement and hints at a positive change in his character.
“Sally, you come, as ever, as an angel of mercy.”
Mr. Faucitt greets Sally as a savior, especially after she removes the annoying dog Toto from his room.
This highlights Sally's role as a caring and helpful presence in the lives of her friends.