David is Florrie's husband. Although he is present in most of the family scenes - he loves to hunt and fish with his brothers-in-law - he begins to disappear from the story halfway through when he falls ill. His illness is never described in detail and is never explained, so it remains a mystery in the novel. All that is said is that David begins to grow weak and cough uncontrollably. It is hinted at that he suffers from TB. His sickness and physical weakness is another reason why Ginny suspects Florrie is attracted to Tom, who is physically very strong and could take care of her if David were to die.