The Paying Guest

The story revolves around a couple, Mumford and Emmeline, who consider the implications of inviting a lodger into their spacious home. While Mumford suggests the arrangement to alleviate Emmeline's loneliness during the day, she grapples with the financial burdens and the potential social pressures that accompany it. The narrative explores themes of companionship, financial strain, and the desire for a simpler life away from the hustle of London, as they navigate their health improvements and the challenges of maintaining a household.