Richard Cable

Richard Cable: The Lightshipman is a novel by Sabine Baring-Gould, published in 1888.

Synopsis
Richard Cable is the keeper of a light-ship on the coast of Essex, England. He is a widower, and father of a family of seven children, all girls. 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.

Richard, being a moralist, gives advice to Josephine, who loses her heart to him. 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 owing to the fact that he is not accustomed to the usages of society, and Josephine too feels mortified by her husband's mistakes. A separation takes place, Richard sailing round the coast to Cornwall, and taking his mother, the children, and all his belongings. Josephine repents; and as she cannot raise him to her sphere, decides to adapt herself to his. She goes into service as a lady's-maid. More complications ensue, and Richard, who has become a prosperous cattle-dealer, appears opportunely and takes her away from her situation. While he still hates her, he desires to provide for her. 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. Eventually, at his own request, they are remarried.

Appraisal
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."