
In the wake of a decisive battle, the novel opens amid a lively scramble of commanders, schemers, and opportunists, each eager to shape the new order. The narrative blends sharp legal debate with witty banter, as characters like the meticulous Mr. Subtle and the quick‑witted Lynx dissect a tangled property dispute that could reshape fortunes. Their exchanges, full of clever repartee, set the tone for a story that balances intrigue with a light‑hearted critique of societal ambition.
At the heart of the tale is the unassuming Mr. Titmouse, whose sudden thrust into high society propels him from modest beginnings to the glittering halls of Grosvenor Square. Guided by an eccentric earl and entangled with colorful figures such as the Reverend Dismal Horror and the flamboyant Marquis Gants‑Jaunes, he navigates grand dinners, political councils, and the ever‑present undercurrents of personal ambition. The early chapters promise a captivating mix of humor, courtroom drama, and the restless quest for status in a world still reshaping itself.
Language
en
Duration
~15 hours (898K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Matthias Grammel, Suzanne Shell and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net
Release date
2012-11-09
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects

1807–1877
Best known for the wildly successful novel Ten Thousand a Year and the vivid medical tales collected as Passages from the Diary of a Late Physician, this Victorian writer built a rare career across literature, law, and politics. His stories helped turn professional experience into popular fiction, giving readers drama, suspense, and a sharp look at 19th-century society.
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