
In a sun‑drenched English countryside, retired Major Brill sets off on a seemingly simple errand: a proposal. Dressed with meticulous care—his silk hat tipped just right, a striking tie, and polished gloves—he strides through sleepy villages, his confidence as crisp as his uniform. Along the way, he encounters his old comrade Halibut, whose own sudden sartorial flourish hints at a secret agenda, turning a leisurely walk into a light‑hearted rivalry.
The two friends exchange witty banter, each trying to outwit the other while the landscape watches in quiet amusement. Their conversation drifts between weather, attire, and the ever‑present question of love, revealing a world where propriety and personal longing intersect. Listeners are invited into a charming tableau of Victorian manners, gentle competition, and the nervous anticipation that precedes a life‑changing moment.
Full title
A Mixed Proposal The Lady of the Barge and Others, Part 9.
Language
en
Duration
~21 minutes (20K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by David Widger
Release date
2004-04-01
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1863–1943
Best remembered for the chilling classic "The Monkey's Paw," this English writer also built a huge readership with witty, sharply observed tales of dockworkers, sailors, and everyday London life. His stories mix humor and unease in a way that still feels vivid more than a century later.
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