Two Women Or One? From The Mss. Of Dr. Leonard Benary

Two Women or One? by Henry Harland is a psychological novel that explores themes of identity and redemption. The story follows Dr. Leonard Benary, a retired physician, who encounters a desperate young woman, Louise Massarte, on a stormy night near a river. Fearing she intends to end her life, Benary intervenes, and the two engage in a tense conversation that reveals Louise’s tragic past. She is a convicted criminal who has escaped from prison and is contemplating suicide. Despite her cold demeanor and belief that she is beyond help, Benary insists on offering her assistance, and they agree to spend an hour together. As they talk, Louise’s story unravels, exposing the depths of her despair and guilt. The novel delves into the complexities of self-perception, the possibility of personal transformation, and the moral question of whether one person can redeem another. Through Louise’s struggle and Benary’s persistence, the story examines the potential for rebirth and the weight of one's past.