The Law-Breakers and Other Stories

"The Law-Breakers and Other Stories" by Robert Grant is a collection of short stories written during the late 19th century. The narratives explore themes of morality, societal values, and personal dilemmas faced by characters in contemporary settings, particularly in the context of American politics and the impact of individual actions on community standards. The opening story introduces George Colfax, a self-proclaimed reformer, who grapples with his disdain for political corruption while navigating his relationship with Mary Wellington, a woman caught between her social ideals and personal feelings. At the start of "The Law-Breakers," we meet George Colfax as he shares his outrage over a recent case of political misconduct with Mary Wellington, the woman he desires to marry. He expresses his frustration over the election of a corrupt figure, Jim Daly, who has previously served a jail sentence for impersonating a civil-service candidate. Mary, while sympathetic to George’s moral stance, reflects on the complexities of their relationship, particularly her doubts about his integrity when faced with decisions that test his principles. As the discussion unfolds, George’s deeper character traits and the societal norms surrounding them begin to surface, setting the stage for a nuanced exploration of morality and integrity throughout the collection.