The Convert

"The Convert" by Elizabeth Robins is a story set in early 20th century London, focusing on the life of Vida Levering, a captivating young woman immersed in high society, and her involvement with the Tunbridge family's children, Sara and Cecil, along with her own family and social commitments. The narrative touches on ideas about who people truly are, what society expects from them, and the struggles women faced during that time. The story begins with Vida visiting the Tunbridge family before a dinner party, where she is greeted with enthusiasm by Sara and Cecil in their night nursery. This encounter reveals the children's energetic personalities and sets them against Vida's more mature demeanor, hinting at her internal conflicts regarding her role within the strict social norms of her time. As Vida spends time with the children and prepares to engage with the adult world, the beginning subtly suggests her battle between societal pressures and her personal dreams.