
A hot August Sunday finds a weary traveler, Horace Graham, stranded in the quiet village of Chaudfontaine after a railway accident forces his train to stop. The town, tucked among limestone hills and a winding stream, is dominated by a modest hotel whose garden offers shaded benches and a glimpse of untamed meadow. As the sun filters through poplar leaves, the landscape’s simple beauty invites a contemplative pause.
Within this tranquil setting, Horace’s aimless wanderings bring him into contact with a young woman whose fresh, unassuming manner recalls the gentle charm of a Greuze portrait. Her innocent‑yet‑arch demeanor and natural grace stand out against the otherwise ordinary surroundings, hinting at a connection that could alter his outlook. The story unfolds with quiet elegance, inviting listeners to savor the subtle interplay of character and countryside.
Language
en
Duration
~12 hours (703K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
2005-10-02
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects
Best known for historical and romantic fiction with a gentle nineteenth-century feel, this little-known writer left behind novels that still surface in reprint editions and library catalogs.
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