The Well of Loneliness

Stephen and Angela part ways for a time when Anna gets sick and Angela and Ralph vacation in Scotland. Stephen would have gone to Scotland had Angela allowed it, but Angela forbade it on the grounds that Ralph would be too upset. While Angela is away, Stephen writes her many letters but receives few, and those she does get are vapid. After she finally receives a lengthy letter, noting that Angela is spending time with Roger Antrim, Stephen decides she needs a “really long walk” (145).

With Anna and Stephen alone together while Anna convalesces in Cornwall, Stephen is more desperate than ever for Anna’s love and understanding. One night, Anna remarks that Stephen looks fatigued. Stephen mistakes this for understanding and confesses she is “dreadfully tired.” Anna quickly changes the subject, however, leaving Stephen feeling even more abandoned than before.

Stephen starts to get excited when she and Anna leave Cornwall and Angela’s return nears. Angela’s birthday is approaching, and despite Angela’s insistence that Stephen refrain from offering gifts, Stephen is planning to get her a grand present. On the way back home, Anna and Stephen stop in London so Stephen can shop for Angela’s present.