
PERSONS OF THE STORY.
FIRST SCENE - At Sea.
SECOND SCENE. - The Store-Room.
THIRD SCENE. - The Money Market.
FOURTH SCENE. - Muswell Hill.
FIFTH SCENE. - The Square.
SIXTH SCENE. - The Church.
SEVENTH SCENE. - The Evening Party.
EIGHTH SCENE. - The Library.
NINTH SCENE. - The Drawing-Room.
A tranquil sunrise over a silent sea sets the stage for a peculiar gathering aboard a sleek schooner yacht. Sir Joseph Graybrooke’s eclectic entourage—including a stern Levant trader, a meticulous surgeon, a sharp‑witted attorney, and a retired seaman—converge for what promises to be a leisurely holiday, yet the atmosphere crackles with unspoken tensions. As the helmsman awakens to a gentle breeze, the characters’ distinct personalities begin to clash, revealing hidden ambitions, old grudges, and a subtle undercurrent of romantic uncertainty surrounding the enigmatic Miss Graybrooke and her young daughter.
The story unfolds with witty dialogue and vivid descriptions, drawing listeners into the confined world of the deck where propriety and desire collide. Through the eyes of the ship’s crew and guests, the narrative explores questions of identity, reputation, and the social expectations of the era, all while the sea itself seems to hold its breath. Listeners will be drawn into the charm of the period setting and the delicate dance of manners that may soon be tested by unforeseen events.
Language
en
Duration
~3 hours (174K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by James Rusk and David Widger
Release date
2006-03-22
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1824–1889
A master of suspense and sensation fiction, this Victorian storyteller helped shape the modern mystery novel with unforgettable twists and sharply observed characters. Best known for The Woman in White and The Moonstone, he wrote stories that still feel lively, eerie, and surprisingly modern.
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