In the short story The Girl in the Train, George Rowland is a young man living with his uncle. He also works in his uncle's firm in the City. George had been totally dependent on his uncle for some twenty-four years. After coming home in the early hours of the morning from a Covent Garden Ball and then turnig up at the office at five to twelve instead of half-past nine, his uncle is annoyed with the dissolute young man and fires him from the firm. At first George considers going out to the colonies but later decides for the time being on a simpler pastime. On an ABC Rail Guide, he spots a place called Rowland's Castle. Since it is named after him (so he thinks), he assumes he will receive a welcome there.
While seated in his train compartment at Waterloo Station, a girl jumps in and asks George to hide her. What happens next forms the main plot of the story.
Portrayals[]
In the episode The Girl in the Train of The Agatha Christie Hour, a TV film adaptation of the story, the part of George Rowland is played by Osmund Bullock.