Relationship between Lydia Tillotson and Ralph Gannett

The two represent two different social classes

Lydia is the one who takes the initiative and is able to influence her partner

Mr. Gannett and Lydia are considerate of each other’s needs

They have a deep relationship, and they are aware of the other’s thoughts, which turns out to be a problem

They have different opinions about marriage and therefore about their futureà while for Mr. Gannett a marriage would just seal their love, Lydia is sure that a marriage would destroy their relationship

Unlike Lydia, Mr. Gannett always thinks positively and believes that in life you have to compromise. He gives their relationship a chance. She, on the other hand, sees their relationship as a stand against the self-abandonment of the “individual to the family”

Mr. Gannett is sure that Lydia torments herself and thereby destroys their relationship

Both of them realize that they cannot break away from social conventions

Lydia’s coming back at the end of the story shows that she, just like Mr. Gannett, is aware of her dependence on Mr. Gannett and wants to continue their relationship

Eventually they will probably get married in Paris