Well, After All--

A novel written in the late 19th century. The story unfolds around a financial crisis at the Bracken-shire Bank, led by Richard Westwood, who is faced with a panicked run on the bank as customers scramble to withdraw their money. The narrative explores the reactions of various characters, including Westwood and his friend Cyril Mowbray, as they navigate the tension of the situation alongside themes of gender dynamics and personal relationships. At the start of the novel, we witness the immediate chaos of the banking crisis through the conversations between Mr. Westwood and Cyril Mowbray, highlighting the varying reactions of men and women in moments of panic. As Westwood attempts to manage the situation with calmness and strategic thinking, Cyril reflects on the social dynamics at play, specifically regarding women's more straightforward, primal reactions compared to men's pretense of nonchalance. The opening chapters set the stage for examining personal struggles in the face of societal pressures, hinting at deeper emotional undercurrents that will be explored as the story unfolds, particularly concerning love, loyalty, and the burdens of expectation during tumultuous times.