Maid Marian, and Other Stories

In this compelling tale, a pragmatic New York lawyer in his forties becomes enthralled by a striking portrait of a mysterious woman named Marian that he acquires for his modest hotel suite. The image, with its dark, narrow‑lidded eyes and pearl‑adorned hair, haunts his thoughts, slipping into courtroom arguments and everyday moments, urging him to confront long‑repressed desires and superstitions. As the portrait dominates the cramped sitting‑room, Macfarren wrestles with the tension between his orderly life and the alluring, almost otherworldly presence of the lady in the painting.

Through witty, graceful prose, the author paints a vivid picture of post‑war New York society, its bustling hotels, and the subtle humor of the servants who keep the building’s broom closets. Supporting characters—sharp‑tongued housemaids, bemused bell‑boys, and a few skeptical acquaintances—provide both comic relief and a mirror for the lawyer’s internal struggle. The story invites listeners to linger over the delicate balance of humor and pathos, offering a glimpse into how a single work of art can stir imagination, challenge habit, and hint at deeper currents beneath everyday respectability.