
Part I.
I.
Produced by David Widger
II.
III.
IV.
V.
VI.
VII.
VIII.
A weary but devoted editor finds himself at a crossroads as his silver wedding anniversary looms. Years of steady work, a modest income, and a marriage built on quiet compromise have left him dreaming of the European fields where his love first blossomed. While his wife nudges him toward a long‑awaited escape, his own sense of duty keeps him tethered to the desk and the familiar rhythm of Boston life.
When a persuasive colleague offers him a “sabbatical”—a brief, guilt‑free leave to rekindle that youthful romance—he hesitates, weighing the allure of butterfly‑laden meadows against the practical concerns of family and finances. The promise of a fresh start abroad teases the possibility of breaking free from the rut, setting the stage for a journey that could reshape both his heart and his career.
Language
en
Duration
~14 hours (834K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
2004-10-23
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1837–1920
A leading voice of American literary realism, he helped shape late 19th-century fiction through his novels, criticism, and editorial work. His writing often brings ordinary social life into sharp, lively focus, with a calm wit that still feels fresh.
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