Inside the story
Meet James Stirling
James Stirling, known as Jim, is the Stirling clan’s reputedly clever oracle, a sarcastic and self-important man who takes his opinions seriously. At the story’s outset, he writes controversial letters attacking Modernism and appoints himself Valancy’s stern rescuer, though she has not asked for his help.
On the page
A handsome, solemn, black-haired man with a sarcastic, trap-like mouth and iron-grey side-burns.








