
CHAPTER I—FATHER AND SON
CHAPTER II—THE SHADOW IN A LIFE
CHAPTER III—SYLVESTER CONSULTS THE STARS
CHAPTER IV—LEROUX SPEAKS
CHAPTER V—DE MORTUIS
CHAPTER VI—THE WALDEN ART COLONY
CHAPTER VII—THE DANGEROUS HOUR
CHAPTER VIII—TRIUMPH
CHAPTER IX—DAMON AND PYTHIAS
CHAPTER X—SYLVESTER DOES BATTLE
A quiet country house becomes the stage for a lively clash of ideals, where the earnest Sylvester Lanyon, a seasoned doctor, debates the meaning of a “glorious” life with the spirited young Ella Defries. Their banter—part philosophy, part teasing—reveals a generational tug‑of‑war: Ella’s fierce optimism and desire to conquer the world, and Sylvester’s weary yet hopeful contemplation of his own legacy. The dialogue crackles with wit, hinting at the pull between comfortable familiarity and the lure of broader horizons.
When Sylvester announces his sudden decision to sell his practice and head for London, the stakes shift from idle conversation to real change. The promise of new opportunities, professional ambition, and the unknown draws both characters into a moment of quiet excitement. Listeners are invited to follow Sylvester’s first steps toward an unfamiliar city, watching how his choices ripple through the relationships he leaves behind, and wondering what discoveries await him in the bustling capital.
Language
en
Duration
~7 hours (408K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by David Widger from page images generously provided by the Internet Archive
Release date
2017-11-20
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1863–1930
A widely read British novelist and playwright, he had a gift for warm, character-driven stories that made him a popular name in the early 20th century. His books often mix humor, sentiment, and sharply observed human oddity.
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by William John Locke

by William John Locke

by William John Locke

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by William John Locke

by William John Locke

by William John Locke

by William John Locke