The Coming of Bill · Chapter
III: The Mates Meet explained
Kirk Winfield, a contented bachelor living a bohemian life in New York, experiences a sudden discontent after his servant George Pennicut is injured.
What happens
Kirk Winfield, a contented bachelor living a bohemian life in New York, experiences a sudden discontent after his servant George Pennicut is injured. His routine disrupted, he begins to question his solitary existence and the value of marriage. When Lora Delane Porter arrives with her niece Ruth Bannister, Kirk is instantly and profoundly smitten. Ruth, equally drawn to him, recognizes their mutual attraction and the inevitable courtship that must follow, despite her impatience with social conventions.
Themes in this chapter
Love vs. Social Convention
Ruth and Kirk feel an instant, primal attraction, but Ruth acknowledges the tiresome formalities of courtship that society demands before they can be together.
Class and Bohemianism
Kirk's studio serves as a gathering place for a bohemian crowd, including impecunious artists and friends like Hank Jardine and Steve Dingle, contrasting with conventional married life.
Individualism vs. Interference
Kirk values his freedom and bachelorhood, but Lora Delane Porter's interference and his own introspection lead him to question his solitary life.
Characters to notice
- Kirk Winfield
A wealthy, amiable young man who enjoys a bohemian lifestyle. His routine is disrupted by George Pennicut's injury, leading to introspection and a sudden, intense attraction to Ruth Bannister.
- Ruth Bannister
Lora Delane Porter's niece. She feels an immediate, primal connection to Kirk and recognizes their mutual attraction, though she is amused by the formalities of courtship.
- Mrs. Lora Delane Porter
Arrives with Ruth to inquire about George Pennicut's condition. She introduces Ruth to Kirk and encourages Kirk to show Ruth his paintings.
- Steve Dingle
A prizefighter friend of Kirk's who regularly spars with him. Mentioned as part of Kirk's daily routine and social circle.
- Hank Jardine
A prospector friend of Kirk's, mentioned as a bachelor's friend who would not fit into a married household.
- George Pennicut
Kirk's servant who is injured and unable to work, causing Kirk's routine to be disrupted.
Key passages
“He had never been in love, and he had come to imagine that he was incapable of anything except a mild liking for women. He considered himself immune, and was secretly glad of it.”
Kirk believed he was incapable of falling in love and was relieved by this, as he valued his freedom.
Highlights Kirk's initial self-perception as a confirmed bachelor, which is immediately challenged upon meeting Ruth.
“He wanted her; she wanted him. She had known it from the moment of their meeting. The man had found his woman, the woman her man. Nature had settled the whole affair in an instant.”
Both Kirk and Ruth recognized an immediate, mutual attraction that felt natural and inevitable.
Emphasizes the primal, instinctual nature of their connection, contrasting with social conventions.