
The cover image was created by the transcriber and is placed in the public domain.
In a modest but comfortably furnished parlor, a recently retired officer—still draped in the trappings of his military past—prepares to hang his old sabre above the mantel as a symbol of peace. His young wife, a diligent seamstress, watches with a mixture of affection and apprehension, teasing him about the sword’s lingering “wicked look.” Their banter, peppered with gentle sarcasm and tender reminiscence, sets a warm, slightly comic tone that hints at deeper adjustments to civilian life.
Around them, a small troupe of unmistakably distinct personalities—an itinerant tramp, a genteel rider, a flamboyant jack‑of‑all‑trades, and several well‑dressed ladies—drift in and out, each bringing a flash of color to the domestic scene. Their interactions promise clashes of class, ambition, and lingering wartime habits, while the household’s simple rituals—sewing, music, and shared meals—anchor the drama in everyday humanity. Listeners will be drawn into the gentle tug‑of‑war between past glories and present comforts, eager to see how these characters navigate love, loyalty, and the quiet battles of home.
Language
en
Duration
~1 hours (92K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by David Edwards, Donalies and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images generously made available by The Internet Archive)
Release date
2015-03-20
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects

1832–1890
Known for lively amateur theatricals and comic stage pieces, this 19th-century Boston writer helped make home and community performance more accessible and fun. He also worked in publishing, bringing the practical side of popular entertainment to a wide audience.
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