The Wings of the Dove, Volume 1
by Henry James
'The Wings of the Dove, Volume 1' Summary
Kate Croy and Merton Densher are two betrothed Londoners who desperately want to marry but have very little money. Kate is constantly put upon by family troubles, and is now living with her domineering aunt, Maud Lowder. Into their world comes Milly Theale, an enormously rich young American woman who had previously met and fallen in love with Densher, although she has never revealed her feelings. Her travelling companion and confidante, Mrs. Stringham, is an old friend of Maud. Kate and Aunt Maud welcome Milly to London, and the American heiress enjoys great social success.
With Kate as a companion, Milly goes to see an eminent physician, Sir Luke Strett, because she worries that she is suffering from an incurable disease. The doctor is noncommittal but Milly fears the worst. Kate suspects that Milly is deathly ill. After the trip to America where he had met Milly, Densher returns to find the heiress in London. Kate wants Densher to pay as much attention as possible to Milly, though at first he doesn't quite know why. Kate has been careful to conceal from Milly (and everybody else) that she and Densher are engaged.
With the threat of serious illness hanging over her, Milly decides to travel to Venice with Mrs. Stringham. Aunt Maud, Kate and Densher follow her. At a party Milly gives in her Venice palazzo (the older Palazzo Barbaro, called "Palazzo Leporelli" in the novel), Kate finally reveals her complete plan to Densher: he is to marry Milly so that, after her presumably soon-to-occur death, he will inherit the money they can marry on. Densher had suspected this was Kate's idea, and he demands that she consummate their affair before he will go along with her plan.
Aunt Maud and Kate return to London while Densher remains with Milly. Unfortunately, the dying girl learns from a former suitor of Kate's about the plot to get her money. She withdraws from Densher and her condition deteriorates. Densher sees her one last time before he leaves for London, where he eventually receives news of Milly's death. Milly does leave him a large amount of money despite everything. But Densher does not accept the money, and he will not marry Kate unless she also refuses the bequest. Conversely, if Kate chooses the money instead of him, Densher offers to make the bequest over to her in full. The lovers part on the novel's final page with a cryptic exclamation from Kate: "We shall never be again as we were!"
Book Details
Language
EnglishOriginal Language
EnglishPublished In
1902Author
Henry James
America, Britain
Henry James was born in New York City on April 15, 1843, into a wealthy and intellectually stimulating family. His father, Henry James Sr., was a Swedenborgian philosopher and his mother, Mary Roberts...
More on Henry JamesDownload eBooks
Listen/Download Audiobook
- Select Speed
Related books
The Star-Chamber: An Historical Romance, Volume 1 by William Harrison Ainsworth
In the shadows of history, where conspiracy meets love, a clandestine court reigns—a court known only as The Star-Chamber. Step back in time to the tu...
Don Bonifacio by José Milla y Vidaurre
Adéntrate en el cautivador mundo de "Don Bonifacio" de José Milla y Vidaurre, una novela que te sumergirá en un torbellino de emociones y secretos en...
The Corner House by Fred M. White
a thrilling novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat. This gripping tale takes readers on a suspenseful journey filled with mystery, intrigue...
Captain Antifer by Jules Verne
The imagination with a captivating tale of treasure, treachery, and the unrelenting pursuit of a legendary fortune. Set sail on an extraordinary journ...
With Her in Ourland by Charlotte Perkins Gilman
Is a captivating and thought-provoking novel that delves into the depths of societal norms and challenges the very fabric of a seemingly perfect utopi...
The Mill Mystery by Anna Katharine Green
A mysterious death at a remote mill sets the stage for a suspenseful mystery in which nothing is as it seems. "The Mill Mystery" is a novel by Anna K...
The Pirates by Morgan Robertson
The novel centers around the exploits of a group of pirates as they sail the high seas in search of treasure and adventure. With vivid descriptions an...
The Fortunes and Misfortunes of the Famous Moll Flanders by Daniel Defoe
Moll Flanders is a novel by Daniel Defoe, first published in 1722. It purports to be the true account of the life of the eponymous Moll, detailing her...
Some Chinese Ghosts by Lafcadio Hearn
This book has become a classic in the horror genre, providing a unique insight into Chinese folklore and the supernatural. Hearn's extensive knowledg...
A Whisper in the Dark by Louisa May Alcott
It is an intriguing and captivating book that will keep young readers on the edge of their seats. This book offers a thrilling and mysterious journey...
Reviews for The Wings of the Dove, Volume 1
No reviews posted or approved, yet...