The irony of love
Phyllis truly loves Tina. Ironically, she does not confess her feelings to him. Despite Phyllis being engaged to Humphrey, she does not love him. Therefore, the love of her life is Matthäus Tina, but Phyllis is shy to say it. Tina openly tells Phyllis that he is ready to marry her, but she still tells him that their friendship is casual.
The irony of Dr. Grove
Dr. Grove is a professional medical doctor who has worked for several years. Ironically, Dr. Grove lives in poverty and cannot afford town life. Therefore, he lives with his daughter Phyllis in a small village in the countryside. Readers expect Dr. Grove to belong to the upper class because he has a prestigious profession, but he contradicts that expectation.
Humphrey
Humphrey is engaged to Phyllis, and he binds her into an agreement to marry her. Ironically, Humphrey leaves for Bath, and he marries another woman of his social class while there. When Humphrey returns after one year, he gives Phyllis a gift and asks for forgiveness. After apologizing, Phyllis thinks Humphrey will marry her. Paradoxically, Humphrey reveals to her that he has already married another woman, which disheartens her more than ever.
