The World Before Them: A Novel VOL. II by Susanna Moodie is a historical novel set in a quaint English village during the late 19th century. The story follows Dorothy, a young woman caught between love, loss, and the constraints of societal expectations. As she navigates her feelings for Gilbert Rushmere, who has risen in military rank and seemingly forgotten her, Dorothy grapples with the emotional weight of their past and the changing circumstances of her life. The novel opens by detailing Dorothy's deep emotional connection to her deceased mother and her current role as a pupil in the home of Mr. Martin, the local curate. Her bond with Gilbert is marked by youthful dreams, but as his fortunes grow, Dorothy is left heartbroken, struggling with his apparent indifference to their past love. Amidst emotional turmoil, she seeks solace in her work and new relationships, especially with the Martin family. The novel delves into Dorothy's internal conflict as she confronts societal pressures and the harsh realities of life, all while trying to reconcile her hopes for happiness with the societal duties that weigh heavily upon her.