In the Cage
In the Cage,novelette by Henry James, published in 1898.
A telegraph clerk in a London department store despises her complacent suitor, Mr. Mudge. Curious about the lives of her wealthy patrons, she is particularly fascinated by the liaison of Lady Bradeen and young Captain Everard, details of which are revealed through their frequent telegrams. Although she “hates” the frivolous rich, she comes to have a tender interest in the affairs of Everard, and the two recognize a certain mutual understanding. When her friend Mrs. Jordan asks her to become a business partner, the girl postpones accepting either this offer or Mr. Mudge's proposal. She helps Everard to avoid a scandal by producing a copy of an intercepted telegram, and her brief association with him ends when Lord Bradeen dies and the lovers are able to marry. Mrs. Jordan's offer is withdrawn, and the girl quickly settles her problems by accepting Mr. Mudge.
[The entire page is 159 words long]
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