Second String - Anthony Hope - Bog

Harry becomes engaged to Miss Vivien Wellgood, all the while carrying on a secret flirtation with Vivien's hired companion, Miss Isobel Vintry. Harry's father, a widower, also has his eye on Miss Vintry as a possible wife. When Andy discovers the secret relationship of Harry and Isobel, he begins to see that his friend is not so perfect a gentleman after all, but he says nothing, out of loyalty to his friend. But when the elder Mr. Belfield finds Harry kissing Isobel, the scandal breaks, Harry ends his engagement to Vivien and elopes with Isobel. His father is outraged and Harry's reputation and hopes for Parliament are dashed. Andy, the second stringer, reluctantly comes to the fore. He takes Harry's place in the Parliamentary election, which he wins with the support of old Mr. Belfield. He becomes the hero of the town, and after some time, also gains the affection of Miss Wellgood, who becomes his wife.