Kelroy was published in 1812 by United States writer Rebecca Rush. Although the novel has been much admired by scholars of this period, the books did not receive much attention when it was published. This was probably because it appeared immediately before the War of 1812, so any publicity would have been overshadowed by war news. The story is about a girl named Emily Hammond who falls in love with a Gothic young man named Kelroy. Mrs. Hammond disapproves of the relationship because she needs Emily to marry someone wealthy in order to keep herself and her family from sinking into abject poverty. Through the use of forged letters, she makes Emily and Kelroy believe that each is no longer in love with the other. The story ends tragically for the mother, daughter, and fiancé. Main characters Mrs. Hammond: mother of Emily and Lucy, looking to marry each advantageously because the family has been left almost penniless after the death of Mr. Hammond. Uses all kinds of conniving tricks to separate Kelroy and Emily. Emily Hammond: Sensitive younger daughter, in love with Kelroy and little interested in making a profitable match. Beautiful. Reluctantly marries Dunlevy, but dies upon finding out that her mother had tricked her into forgetting Kelroy. Lucy Hammond: Older daughter, and very mindful of making a good match. Marries Mr. Walsingham and moves to England. Cold and insensitive, but beautiful. Mrs. Cathcart: Friend of Mrs. Hammond, an incorrigible and very stupid gossip. Heart of gold. Helen Cathcart: Unattractive but intelligent friend of Emily's. She eventually marries Dunlevy. Charles Cathcart: Brother of Helen, nice gentleman who knows all the other young men. Dr. Blake: Little man obsessed with Helen. His love is unrequited. Mr. Walsingham: Englishman, husband of Lucy. Kelroy: Romantic but penniless suitor to Emily. Engaged to her before he leaves for India, but receives fake letter from her rejecting him while there. Makes his fortune, but never gets to share it with Emily. Dies after learning that Emily loved him all along. Mr. Marney: Unsuccessful and callous suitor to Emily, helps Mrs. H trick Emily and Kelroy. Mr. Dunlevy: Emily's husband for 6 months after she abandons hope of Kelroy. Marries Helen three years after Emily's death. Plot After the death of her husband, Mrs. Hammond realizes that she is deeply in debt. She is used to living richly, however, and therefore focuses on her two