Richard Cable

Richard Cable: The Lightshipman is a novel by Sabine Baring-Gould, published in 1888.^[1][2]

This article consists almost entirely of a plot summary. (August 2023)

Richard Cable is the keeper of a light-ship on the coast of Essex, England.^[2] He is a widower, and father of a family of seven children, all girls.^[2] During a storm Josephine Cornellis, a young lady of the neighbourhood, whose home is not particularly happy, is blown out to the light-ship in a small boat, and rescued by Cable.^[2]

Richard, being a moralist, gives advice to Josephine, who loses her heart to him.^[2] Events so shape themselves that she places herself under his guidance, and the two are married; but almost immediately Richard finds himself in a false position because he is not accustomed to the usages of society, and Josephine too feels mortified by her husband's mistakes.^[2] A separation takes place, Richard sailing round the coast to Cornwall, and taking his mother, the children, and all his belongings.^[2] Josephine repents; and as she cannot raise him to her sphere, decides to adapt herself to his.^[2] She goes into service as a lady's-maid.^[2] More complications ensue, and Richard, who has become a prosperous cattle-dealer, appears opportunely and takes her away from her situation.^[2] While he still hates her, he desires to provide for her.^[2] This she will not allow; but is anxious to regain his love, and continues to earn her living and endeavour to retrieve her great mistake.^[2] Eventually, at his own request, they are remarried.^[2]

According to Helen Rex Keller, "There are several other interesting characters necessary to the working out of a plot somewhat complicated in minor details, but the burden of the story is concerning ill-assorted marriages and ensuing complications, — hardness of heart, pride, malice, and all uncharitableness."^[2]