The Girl's Own Paper, Vol. XX, No. 989, December 10, 1898

In the autumn of 1803, a restless Mrs. Bryce convinces her husband to leave the familiar shores of Folkestone for the bleak coast of Sandgate. Amid relentless rain and the mournful howl of the sea, she fills her days with lively conversation and the promise of reading aloud to keep spirits high. Her husband, Mr. Bryce, remains skeptical, quietly fearing what a French landing might bring to their doorstep.

When an urgent letter arrives warning of an imminent French invasion, the couple’s domestic routine is suddenly shattered. Polly, the Bryce’s quick‑witted companion, and Mrs. Bryce must weigh comfort against duty, deciding whether to flee to safer Bath or stay and face the looming threat. Their story weaves together the intimate worries of a household with the larger sweep of the Franco‑English war, offering listeners a vivid portrait of courage, humor, and uncertainty in a time of national crisis.