An Encore

"An Encore" by Margaret Wade Campbell Deland is an early 20th-century story examining love and societal pressures through the renewed connection of Captain Alfred Price and Letty Morris. The narrative alternates between their youthful romance, cut short by family interventions and a failed escape, and their reunion later in life, after nearly five decades, now facing the opinions of their grown children. Alfred, now aging, is reunited with Letty, now Mrs. North, igniting fresh complications from family expectations and societal scrutiny. Their journey contrasts youthful impulsiveness with matured understanding, demonstrating that love can reignite, as shown in the couple's courageous decision to marry despite their children's opposition. Through their determination, the story highlights not only the joys of love, but also the difficult choices that come with it as they take on a second opportunity at happiness.