
A young heir returns to New York penniless after the sudden collapse of his family’s firm, determined to face the fallout on his own terms. He steps into the familiar world of exclusive clubs, where old acquaintances greet him with witty banter and a mix of sympathy and rivalry. As he navigates the glittering yet unforgiving social scene, his steadfast sense of honor clashes with the expectations of those around him.
Through sharp dialogue and vivid descriptions of early‑twentieth‑century city life, the novel explores what it means to keep one’s word when everything else falls apart. The protagonist’s reflections on friendship, loyalty, and the cost of integrity set a tone that is both humorous and contemplative, inviting listeners to consider how far one will go to preserve personal dignity.
With a blend of satire and heartfelt observation, the story offers a snapshot of a bygone era while probing timeless questions about the ties that bind us and the choices that define us.
Language
en
Duration
~5 hours (337K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
2016-08-18
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1865–1933
Best known for the eerie cult classic The King in Yellow, this American writer moved easily between horror, historical fiction, romance, and adventure. Before becoming a prolific novelist, he trained as an artist in New York and Paris.
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