
PREFACE TO THE EDITION OF 1853.
PREFACE TO THE FIRST EDITION.
CHAPTER I. - A FAMILY GROUP.
CHAPTER II. - LUCRETIA.
A young woman’s life is set against the stark clash between nurturing guidance and the shadows that early circumstances can cast. The narrative follows her as she navigates a world where home education and the influence of family shape not only virtues but also the hidden currents of ambition and desire. Through careful observation of her choices and the people around her, the story reveals how seemingly innocent beginnings can lead to unsettling moral dilemmas.
The novel delves into the darker side of human nature, presenting cultured yet ruthless characters whose actions are driven by the lure of wealth and a relentless impatience for success. Their “Children of Night” persona exposes the thin line between refinement and cruelty, offering a warning about the seductive power of money and the perils of unchecked ambition. The first act sets a tense stage, inviting listeners to contemplate how early influences may steer a life toward tragedy or redemption.
Language
en
Duration
~2 hours (148K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
2005-03-01
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1803–1873
Best remembered today for unforgettable phrases like "the pen is mightier than the sword" and "It was a dark and stormy night," this Victorian novelist was once one of the most widely read writers in Britain. He paired literary fame with a busy political career, giving his work an unusual mix of melodrama, ambition, and public life.
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