“The Horse Dealer’s Daughter” was a dark romantic story. There are several grown-up children who have recently lost their father but gained his debt. They are losing his estate which seems to bother most of them. The daughter, Mabel, is the most distraught. She keeps very quiet over breakfast while they are discussing their plans for the future. Mabel has lived in that home her entire life and seems to be afraid of the future. Her happy place is visiting her mother’s grave. As odd as it seems, it’s where she feels the most alive. I believe Mabel is looking toward her future with her mother even though that means death. She is most content in the graveyard. Mabel isn’t handling all of these changes very well.
It amazes me that all of these events occur in one day: she has breakfast with her brothers, visits her mother’s grave, attempts to commit suicide, and falls in love. That wouldn’t seem like too much except for the falling in love part. That normally takes time, at least it should. If it doesn’t then it takes time for most people to come to terms with love and be able to confess it. The doctor, Jack, whom Mabel falls in love with, appears to have some sense about him but no control over his feelings. He’s terrified to admit that he loves Mabel but he does anyway. I understand his emotion, it is overwhelming and exciting when someone comes to the realization that it’s really love. Love evokes feelings that are unimaginable and amazing.
The ending of the story left me confused, especially when she says “I feel I’m horrible to you.” How is she horrible to him? They’ve had one day together. Mabel seems to have some self-esteem, possibly mental issues she needs to deal with. Maybe a doctor is just what she needs on a daily basis.
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