Waymarsh, a lawyer friend of Strether’s from America who had come to Europe to forget his personal problems, is entirely “joyless.” Unlike Strether, he is not affected by the exciting atmosphere of Europe, and he is eager to return home. He is introduced in the beginning of the novel soon after Strether’s arrival in England, and though Strether’s friend, he soon allies himself with the Woollett cause. Strether suspects that he is in communication with Mrs. Newsome, and when the Pococks arrive, Waymarsh becomes Sarah’s constant companion.