
Jane Holland drifts through a glittering but weary social scene, where portraits and reputations loom larger than the people they depict. A solemn painting by the self‑absorbed artist Gisborne defines how others see her, while her own sharp humor hints at a brighter, more mischievous side. As celebrated guests gather around her, the dinner table becomes a stage for witty barbs and subtle power plays, exposing the absurdities of fame and artistic pretension.
Enter George Tanqueray, a charming yet hesitant figure whose indecision fuels the comedy. When a night at the theatre unravels, Jane’s clever maneuvering forces George to choose between the crowd’s adulation and a quieter intimacy with her. Their banter crackles with irony, offering a lively portrait of love, ego, and the thin line between performance and reality.
Language
en
Duration
~14 hours (845K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
2008-07-04
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1863–1946
A sharp, adventurous voice in early modern fiction, she explored psychology, spirituality, and the inner lives of women with unusual boldness. Her novels and criticism helped open the way for literary modernism while still telling emotionally vivid stories.
View all books