
Basil and Isabel, a couple whose romance has weathered years of separation, choose to begin their married life with a modest, unpublicized journey. They deliberately postpone the trip until the bustle of wedding celebrations has faded, hoping to travel like any other passengers rather than as a newlywed spectacle. Their quiet determination is laced with gentle humor—Isabel’s blush at the idea of being an “obvious bride” and Basil’s affectionate reassurance. The story opens amid a sudden summer storm, setting a vivid backdrop for the adventure they are about to embark on.
Their itinerary carries them through bustling train stations, mist‑shrouded waterfalls, and the lively streets of cities such as Niagara, Montreal, and beyond. Along the way, they encounter a cast of familiar American characters and landscapes that serve as mirrors for their own reflections on love, age, and the passage of time. The narrative blends lively travel sketches with tender observations, offering listeners a warm portrait of a couple rediscovering each other while the world rolls past their windows.
Language
en
Duration
~7 hours (416K 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 realism, he wrote sharply observed novels about everyday life and helped shape the literary culture of the late 1800s. As an editor and critic, he also encouraged writers such as Henry James and Sarah Orne Jewett while building a reputation as the “Dean of American Letters.”
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