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In a gentle, turn‑of‑the‑century world where duty and affection intertwine, Doris and Bernard have grown up side‑by‑side, sharing childhood games and whispered dreams. As Bernard approaches his twenty‑first birthday, an inheritance promises financial independence, and he finally gathers the courage to ask Doris to join his future. Their tender conversation on a sun‑lit hill reveals a love that has lingered since youth, while also hinting at the practical worries of supporting families and meeting society’s expectations.
The novel follows the pair as they navigate the delicate balance between heartfelt devotion and the pressures of responsibility. Along the way, friends like the spirited Alice Sinclair and the steadfast Archbishop Trench appear, offering both guidance and complication. With lyrical prose and a hopeful spirit, the story captures the timeless struggle of choosing love amid the tangled threads of ambition, duty, and the promise of a brighter tomorrow.
Language
en
Duration
~5 hours (328K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
2015-08-16
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
A prolific British writer of late Victorian and early 20th-century fiction, she published dozens of novels and stories for younger readers, often mixing adventure with strong moral themes. Her books range from school and family tales to historical sketches and biographies for children.
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