McTeague: A Story of San Francisco

McTeague and Marcus join the Sieppes on a picnic. The excursion is led by Trina’s father, Mr. Sieppe, “a little man of a military aspect, full of importance” (65). McTeague is unnerved when he realizes he does not have enough money to enter the park, but Marcus pays for him.

McTeague thoroughly enjoys himself, and the Sieppes invite McTeague and Marcus to stay overnight at their house. McTeague is given Trina’s room. When alone, he takes great pleasure in studying her delicate possessions and smelling the clothing in her closet.

After the picnic, McTeague visits the Sieppes frequently as Marcus once did. Marcus assures McTeague he forgives him. One day McTeague and Trina go for a walk, and McTeague asks her to marry him again. When she refuses, McTeague physically overpowers her and kisses her, “crushing down her struggle with his immense strength” (84). When Trina finally submits, McTeague thinks less of her “for doing that very thing for which he had longed” (84). Crying, Trina scurries home, where she cries to her mother over what happened. Her inability to explain why she kissed him or whether she loves him exasperates her mother.