# XIV: Mr. Abrahams Re-Engages an Old Employee explained — The Adventures of Sally

> Chapter companion for The Adventures of Sally by P. G. Wodehouse.

## What happens

Sally returns to New York and is visited by her sister-in-law, Mrs. Fillmore Nicholas, who brings news of financial ruin for Fillmore. His revue flopped, a play by Gerald Foster failed, and a boxing match he promoted was a disaster. Additionally, Elsa Doland has left The Primrose Way to sign with another management, breaking her contract. Mrs. Fillmore also reveals that Elsa's marriage to Gerald Foster has collapsed. Sally is distressed by these revelations, and Mrs. Fillmore tries to persuade her to reconsider Bruce Carmyle's proposal, but Sally refuses. Meanwhile, Mr. Abrahams rehires Sally at his restaurant, noting she has lost some of her former spirit.

## Themes in this chapter

### Family Obligation and Conflict

Sally's loyalty to Fillmore is tested as she hears of his misfortunes, and Mrs. Fillmore's concern for her husband's financial ruin strains the family.

### Loyalty and Friendship

Elsa's departure from The Primrose Way is seen as disloyalty, while Sally's return to her old job shows her reliability.

### Ambition and Enterprise

Fillmore's relentless pursuit of a big win leads to ruin, and Elsa's ambition drives her to break her contract.

## Character check-ins

### Sally Nicholas

Returns to New York and learns of Fillmore's financial troubles and Elsa's betrayal. She remains resolute in refusing Carmyle's proposal.

### Fillmore Nicholas

Suffers a series of financial disasters: his revue flops, a play fails, and a boxing match loses money. He is nearly cleaned out.

### Gladys Winch (Mrs. Fillmore Nicholas)

Visits Sally to break the bad news about Fillmore's losses and Elsa's departure. She tries to persuade Sally to consider Carmyle.

### Elsa Doland

Leaves The Primrose Way to sign with Goble and Cohn, breaking her contract. Her marriage to Gerald Foster has also collapsed.

### Gerald Foster

His play The Primrose Way was a success, but his marriage to Elsa has gone 'all to bits.'

### Mr. Isadore Abrahams

Re-engages Sally at his restaurant, noting she seems quieter but still has class.

## Key lines

> She’s the sort of girl I want in the place. Don’t seem quite to have so much get-up in her as she used to⁠ ⁠… seems kind of quieted down⁠ ⁠… but she’s got class, and I’m glad she’s back.

Mr. Abrahams notes that Sally has lost some of her former energy but still has quality, and he is happy to have her back.

_Reflects Sally's subdued state after her experiences._

> It flopped on the road and died there. Never got to New York at all.

The revue failed during its pre-Broadway tour and never opened in New York.

_Describes the fate of Fillmore's revue._

> She made such a hit that all the other managements in New York were after her right away, and Fillmore had hardly sailed when she handed in her notice and signed up with Goble and Cohn for a new piece they are starring her in.

Elsa's success led to offers from other producers, and she quit Fillmore's production to join a rival company.

_Highlights Elsa's disloyalty._

## Links

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