
A thoughtful narrator sets the stage with an earnest confession: the story is less about grand adventures than about the quiet mechanics of human motives. By observing the subtle ways people reveal themselves—through gossip, glances, and the unspoken etiquette of their world—the author promises a keen portrait of character that feels both intimate and timeless. The tone is reflective, inviting listeners to consider how ambition, pride, and the desire for recognition shape everyday lives.
Into this careful tableau steps a mysterious figure, Lord Glancore, whose brief, enigmatic visit sparks a flurry of speculation among the locals. Some recall a handsome, confident stranger; others whisper of a dark, uneasy presence that left no words behind. As the community grapples with uncertainty, the narrative gently probes the clash between outward appearances and hidden intentions, setting the scene for a compelling exploration of reputation, rumor, and the unseen forces that drive us.
Language
en
Duration
~14 hours (848K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by David Widger
Release date
2010-08-27
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects

1806–1872
Remembered for lively Irish novels packed with wit, adventure, and sharp social observation, this 19th-century writer became one of the great popular entertainers of his day. He also drew on an eventful life as a doctor, traveler, and diplomat, which gave his fiction its restless energy.
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