At His Gates: A Novel. Vol. 1 (of 3)

"At His Gates: A Novel. Vol. 1 (of 3)" by Mrs. Oliphant is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story introduces Mr. and Mrs. Robert Drummond, a couple navigating their contrasting aspirations and disappointments in Victorian society. Robert is a painter of genre art who yearns for recognition as a historical artist, while Helen, his wife from a well-off family, grapples with her dreams of fame and artistic prowess that remain unfulfilled in her husband's work. The opening of the novel establishes the Drummonds' domestic life in Kensington, portraying Helen’s internal struggle with Robert's mediocrity as an artist. Although Robert is a talented painter, he lacks the genius Helen desires, creating a rift between them. As Helen contemplates their life, she feels a mix of pride and discontent, questioning the sacrifices they have made, especially as her cousin, Mr. Reginald Burton, reenters their lives with the prospect of wealth through commercial speculation. The narrative sets the stage for a complex examination of ambition, identity, and the personal sacrifices made in pursuit of art and success, all while exploring the tensions in their marriage and the societal expectations of the time.