
CHAPTER I. ABOVE BUTTONS
CHAPTER II. THE HERITAGE OF THE SON
CHAPTER III. THE DAUGHTERS OF THE SHEARS
CHAPTER IV. ON BOARD THE JOCASTA
CHAPTER V. THE FAMILY AND THE FUNERAL
CHAPTER VI. MY GENTLEMAN ON THE ROAD
CHAPTER VII. MOTHER AND SON
CHAPTER VIII. INTRODUCES AN ECCENTRIC
CHAPTER IX. THE COUNTESS IN LOW SOCIETY
CHAPTER X. MY GENTLEMAN ON THE ROAD AGAIN
In the sleepy seaside town of Lymport-on-the-Sea, the sudden death of the beloved tailor Melchisedec Harrington sends ripples through the close‑knit community. The locals—pub landlord Kilne, butcher Barnes, confectioner Grossby—gather to swap gossip, speculate on debts, and wonder what will become of the shop that has been both a social hub and a source of quiet pride. Their banter, laced with humor and a hint of rivalry, paints a vivid portrait of a world where personal reputation and commerce are inseparably linked.
Against this backdrop, the story follows the Harrington family as they grapple with the loss and the looming question of succession. The widow’s resolve, the ambitions of a young relative returning from abroad, and the town’s own scheming interests intertwine, promising a tale of loyalty, ambition, and the delicate balance between honour and survival. Listeners will be drawn into the charm of a bygone era and the human drama that unfolds when a community’s heart stops beating.
Language
en
Duration
~16 hours (964K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
2004-11-03
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1828–1909
A sharp, witty Victorian voice, this English novelist and poet is best known for brilliant dialogue, psychological insight, and a style that rewards close reading. His work helped push the English novel toward greater complexity, with books like The Egoist and poems such as Modern Love still drawing attention today.
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by George Meredith

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