First published in 1909, The Rosary tells the story of Jane Champion and Garth Dalmain. The Honourable Jane is plain, smart, and fiercely loyal. Garth is artistic, sensitive, and exceedingly handsome. After years of friendship, one night Garth hears Jane sing for the first time, and "the veil is lifted" to him. He declares his love to her, but Jane does not believe his love will last. Then things get interesting.