The Elect Lady
1888
The Elect Lady is an 1888 novel by George MacDonald that explores themes of class distinction, ambition, and moral principles through the lives of three main characters: Andrew, a poor but scholarly man; Dawtie, a simple servant girl; and Alexa, the landlord's daughter. The narrative begins with a conversation between Andrew and Miss Fordyce, highlighting their differing social statuses and perspectives on poetry. Their lives become intertwined following a train accident that introduces George Crawford, further complicating their relationships and character development.
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“Where people know their work and do it, life has few blank spaces for boredom and they are seldom to be pitied. Where people have not yet found their work, they may be more pitied than those that beg their bread. When a man knows his work and will not do it, pity him more than one who is to be hanged tomorrow.””
— George MacDonald
