George Gissing

A divorced man meets an old friend in the country, who reveals his secret of being a millionaire and a philanthropist.

A gentle landlady is duped by a charming family who owe her rent. She tries to be firm, but they deceive and desert her.

A lodge-keeper’s daughter returns home and falls in love with the baronet’s son, but faces opposition from his mother.

A rich doctor’s nephew lives in a poor street, where he meets a girl and a rival. He inherits a fortune and leaves with his friend.

A lonely bachelor leaves his country home for a poor London street, where he befriends a widow and her son.

A clerk falls for a fake widow who robs him in Paris. He returns to London, but loses his joy and trust.

A lonely chemist marries a postmistress for convenience, but she ruins his business and health. He dies after a fatal mistake.

A young man saves a rich boy’s life, but his gratitude turns to curse. He loses his job, his love, and his friend.

A governess loves a librarian who is engaged to another. She leaves him a letter and a book, and quits her job and town.

A writer befriends an old lady with a library of rare books, but loses her and the house when he leaves for his fiancée.

A poor teacher falls in love with an innkeeper’s daughter, but she marries a rich farmer and he returns to his lonely life.

A wealthy grocer marries a widow for love, but she cheats him of his money and honour, and he dies of grief as her prize lodger.