The black spaniel, and other stories

The story opens in a grand Roman hotel where the narrator introduces two very different men—a weary London doctor and a wealthy, art‑loving American expatriate. Their conversation reveals contrasts of temperament, health, and worldliness, set against an elegant yet slightly tense atmosphere. As they dine, subtle hints suggest that their seemingly convivial gathering may conceal deeper currents.

The rest of the collection offers a similar blend of vivid settings and quiet intrigue, moving from desert caravans and exotic markets to tranquil European towns. Hichens’s precise descriptions and restrained suspense create short, self‑contained portraits that linger after the final line. Some stories explore love and longing in far‑off lands, while others turn a keen eye to everyday misunderstandings, all woven with the author’s subtle humor. Accompanied by period illustrations, the tales make a satisfying listening experience for fans of character‑driven, lightly mysterious fiction.