The History of Mr Polly

Alfred Polly, bankrupt gentleman's outfitter, hates the whole scheme of things. Head full of half-digested chivalry, body wracked by dyspepsia, he recalls both the boisterous dramas of youth and the dreadful restrictions of a dull marriage-and so resolves to kill himself. Unexpected events bring him instead to a new heroic life and, at last, a chance of happiness.