'Long Run' Summary

The story unfolds as the nameless protagonist, a successful businessman, looks back on his life, specifically on a period during his youth spent in a college town. He and his close friend, Cecil, both fell deeply in love with a captivating woman named Milly, who was married to a prominent lawyer, Arthur. The protagonist, known for his charm and charisma, attempted to woo Milly, but their interactions remained platonic, entangled in the limitations of society's expectations. Years later, the businessman, now a wealthy bachelor, reflects on the intense emotions he felt for Milly, how he could never truly express his feelings, and the lasting impact of his unrequited love. The novel delves into the complexities of social circles, the constraints of marriage within a particular class, and the consequences of missed opportunities. It poignantly captures the bittersweet realization of what could have been, highlighting the longing for a love that remained unfulfilled.