In George Manville Fenn's novel 'A Double Knot', Mary's love for a man causes her mother, Mrs. Riversley, to become enraged and cruel. Mrs. Riversley berates Mary, who is sick with despair, for her foolishness and the burden she has placed upon her life. As they argue, Mary's lover approaches, but Mrs. Riversley is unfazed and refuses to call for a doctor to aid Mary. As Mary's health declines, she must fight not only for her life but also for the man she loves.