Mr. Lepel and the Housekeeper

"Lepel and his proud but impecunious friend, Rothsay, witness an Italian play which foreshadows their future lives. Rothsay is in love with a gatekeeper's daughter, Susan Rymer, who is herself in love with Lepel. Lepel falls mysteriously ill and learns from his eminent doctors that he is dying. Intending to help his friend, Lepel agrees to marry Susan so that she can become a rich widow and a suitable wife for Rothsay. Lepel's medicine has been poisoned by his housekeeper, Mrs Mozeen, and when by accident he stops taking it, he immediately recovers. Lepel now realises that he is in love with Susan but at the same time has blighted Rothsay's prospects." —<a target="_blank" rel="noopener" href="http://www.wilkie-collins.info/books_little_novels.htm">Wilkie Collins Information Pages</a>

First published as 'The Girl at the Gate' in The Spirit of the Times, 6 December 1884.