The Wings of the Dove

Certainly one of the most poignant and rueful of Janes' stories is this one about an impecunious journalist, in love with a young London lady of quality, who conspires with her to marry her rich relative who faces imminent death from an incurable disease. But unforeseen is the affection that the journalist begins to feel for the dying girl. And, unforeseen, too, the tragedy that ensues. For the dying girl finds out about the precedent, secret engagement before the fiance can express his true love for her, and she welcomes death as a merciful release from her humiliation.