Lilian (Lily) Dale

Lilian (Lily) Dale is the younger daughter of the widowed Mrs. Dale and the niece of the squire of Allington. Upon falling in love with Adolphus Crosbie, she becomes engaged to him. However, the engagement falters when Crosbie requests a dowry from her uncle, a request that is denied. Although initially determined to marry Lily regardless, Crosbie's resolve weakens during a house party at De Courcy Castle, where he becomes engaged to the wealthier Lady Alexandrina, whom he subsequently marries. Despite this betrayal, Lily remains resilient, refusing the advances of a steady suitor favored by her family. Instead, she turns her focus to arranging a marriage between her sister, Bell, and a young doctor.

Christopher Dale

Christopher Dale, the squire of Allington, is a stern yet benevolent member of the country gentry. He graciously allows his widowed sister-in-law to reside rent-free at Allington. His generosity becomes notably evident when he supports Lily after she is jilted by Crosbie. Additionally, he attempts to orchestrate a union between his heir and Lily’s sister, Bell, who is his favorite niece. In the end, he ensures financial security for both nieces by settling money on them.

Mrs. Mary Dale

Mrs. Mary Dale is the widow of Philip Dale, the squire’s youngest brother. Accepting the squire’s offer of a house, she prioritizes the welfare of her daughters. Despite being pressured by the squire to have Bell marry his heir, she insists that her daughters choose their spouses freely. Initially preparing to relocate to a small cottage in Guestwick to escape reliance on the squire’s generosity, she ultimately decides against the move when the squire demonstrates kindness toward Lily.

Isabella (Bell) Dale

Isabella (Bell) Dale, the elder daughter of Mrs. Dale, is renowned as the family beauty. She harbors affection for Dr. Crofts, a young physician from Guestwick who feels too financially insecure to propose marriage. Despite rejecting a proposal from her wealthy cousin, Bernard Dale, Bell patiently waits until Dr. Crofts gains the confidence to offer his hand in marriage.

Adolphus Crosbie

Adolphus Crosbie serves as a senior clerk in the General Committee Office in Whitehall. As an appealing and impulsive young man, he genuinely loves Lily when he proposes to her in Allington. However, his weak will and self-centered nature lead him into a regrettable marriage with Lady Alexandrina. Following their marriage, he soon realizes his error, feeling relieved when Lady Alexandrina departs to join her mother in Baden-Baden.

Captain Bernard Dale

Captain Bernard Dale is an officer in the Corps of Engineers and the squire of Allington's nephew and heir. A reserved young man, he is willing to adhere to his uncle’s wishes by proposing to Bell Dale.

John Eames

John Eames, a clerk in the Income Tax Office in London, has long harbored unrequited love for Lily Dale. His fortunes shift dramatically after he heroically saves Lord De Guest, the principal local aristocrat, from a bull, an act that significantly boosts his career. Later, he confronts Adolphus Crosbie at a London railway station, thrashing him in response to the jilting of Lily.

Lord De Guest

Lord De Guest is the local aristocrat who becomes a benefactor to John Eames. Grateful for being saved from a bull, he aids Eames in advancing his career.

Lady Julia De Guest

Lady Julia De Guest is the benevolent, unmarried sister of Lord De Guest. She is responsible for informing Lily’s uncle about the engagement between Adolphus Crosbie and Lady Alexandrina.

Dr. Crofts

Dr. Crofts is the physician who not only serves as Lord De Guest’s doctor but also eventually marries Bell Dale. Despite...