This failure largely marked the end of James's attempt to conquer the theatre.

Frank Humber proposes marriage to the widow Mrs. Peverel, whose son is tutored by Guy Domville.

Guy is later about to wed Mary Brasier, but she really loves Lieutenant George Round.

Once he understands the situation, Guy refuses to go through with the marriage and instead helps Mary and George elope.

It is also a central incident in the standard biography of James by Leon Edel, especially the fourth volume, The Treacherous Years: 1895–1901.