Characters Discussed

Francis “Rogue” Herries

Francis “Rogue” Herries, so called because of his notorious escapades. In 1730, he takes his family and his mistress to live in the long-deserted family house of Herries; there he continues to earn his reputation as the family black sheep. After the death of his wife, whom he had married more for pity than for love, he becomes attracted to a gypsy-like girl whom he meets under strange circumstances. He pursues her and finally marries her. She runs away but later returns to him. His oldest child is fifty-five years old when Francis again becomes a father. He and his wife both die on the night of their daughter’s birth.

Margaret Herries

Margaret Herries, Francis’ first wife, who is never able to command her husband’s love. When she is dying, however, she feels that he will be at a loss without her and makes her son promise never to leave his father.

Mirabell Starr

Mirabell Starr, a woman living with thieves. They kidnap Francis to give him a cross and chain left to him by Mirabell’s mother, whom he had once befriended. Mirabell agrees to marry Francis, in return for food and protection, but he cannot succeed in making her love him. She leaves him for several years but eventually returns to him. She dies in childbirth.

David Herries

David Herries, the son of Francis and Margaret. His wife is hated by Mirabell....