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Hughie Erskine
Hughie Erskine is the story’s protagonist, a young man in 1880s London society. His soft-hearted, romantic personality stands in contrast to the hardheaded social realities of his day, where romance is a privilege of the…
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Alan Trevor
Alan Trevor, Hughie’s friend, is a talented painter. Somewhat odd-looking and crude-mannered, Alan nevertheless earns both respect and substantial fees for his masterful paintings. Despite his own rough looks and thorny personality, Alan believes…
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The Beggar (Baron Hausberg)
Baron Hausberg is one of the wealthiest and most powerful men in Europe. He is also a friend and patron of Alan’s, and he has commissioned Alan to paint him as a beggar. Hughie…
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Laura Merton
Laura Merton is the young woman Hughie loves. Their love is mutual, and together they make one of London’s most attractive couples. She clearly loves Hughie for his personality, only lightheartedly scolding him after he…
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Minor Characters
Colonel Merton
The Colonel is Laura’s father, a retired veteran of service in India. His army experience has left him crabby, but Hughie’s universal charm manages to win even the Colonel’s affection. However, he pragmatically insists that Hughie have 10,000 pounds in hand before he even consider marrying Laura.
