Yes, poor Stringer indeed. I hope this doesn't dim his ambition, t)hough it as Charlotte's openness to that that sparked his feelings, and that he doesn't iisten to his father, gets away from Tom's employment and finds someone who wil give him the time of day. (I also hope that casting agents give the actor the time of day.)

I think it was clear that Babbingston had never fallen so hard before, and Esther's rejection - which was very recent! - did not match with how she'd been when he proposed, so his patience made sense to me. I hope it will be rewarded - Esther's response to her aunt's 'death' heartened me.