Patience

Patience is a captivating dairy maid caught in the affections of two poets. Her beliefs in unselfish love lead her to promise herself to the poet she does not genuinely like. Ultimately, she persuades herself that the man she truly loves is sufficiently unattractive for her to accept him, maintaining her commitment to being selfless.

Reginald Bunthorne

Reginald Bunthorne is a poet of the fleshly persuasion, whose actions are driven by a desire to garner attention, particularly from women. He openly admits to being a sham, masquerading as an aesthete. When his rival, Grosvenor, starts to draw away his female admirers, Bunthorne resorts to threats, demanding that Grosvenor cut short his hair and abandon his aesthetic demeanor. Although Bunthorne achieves his goal, it ultimately results in the loss of his intended bride.

Archibald Grosvenor

Archibald Grosvenor, known as "Archibald-the-All-Right," is the idyllic poet who was once Patience's childhood sweetheart. With his good looks and wealth, he effortlessly captivates Bunthorne’s followers. Despite succumbing to Bunthorne's demands and cutting his hair, he continues to draw admiration from the women. However, this transformation makes him ordinary enough in Patience's eyes for her to agree to marry him.

The Lady Jane

The Lady Jane is a middle-aged follower of Bunthorne, noted for her fading beauty. Her loyalty to Bunthorne remains steadfast even when other girls leave for Grosvenor. Eventually, she too departs to marry the duke, leaving Bunthorne to find contentment in the companionship of a rose or lily rather than a woman.

The Duke of Dunstable

The Duke of Dunstable serves as a lieutenant in a regiment of dragoons. He is perplexed by the appeal poets hold for women when soldiers like him are present. Possessing everything one could desire, he chooses to offer himself to the plainest girl, the Lady Jane, thus securing his own unique form of romantic fulfillment.