
In a sun‑dappled English countryside, the gentle rhythm of village life is interrupted by the arrival of a young heir, Harvey Dalrymple, and the luminous Miss Herminy, whose beauty and kindness inspire reverent whispers from the local gardener. Their families are bound by duty and tradition: an aging squire, a tangled web of cousins, and a strict entail that favors male heirs, leaving Herminy’s future uncertain. The opening scenes capture the warm, if slightly comic, exchanges between servants and gentry, hinting at the tensions that will test loyalty, love, and the weight of inheritance.
As the story unfolds, listeners are drawn into a portrait of a community where faith, pride, and longing intersect. Herminy’s angelic presence and Harvey’s return from years of wandering set the stage for a delicate dance of expectations and hidden desires, promising a tale that balances gentle humor with the earnest struggles of a family on the brink of change.
Language
en
Duration
~6 hours (392K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Original publisher
United Kingdom: James Nisbet & Co., Limited, 1891.
Release date
2023-05-11
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1845–1939
Known for bringing astronomy and natural science to young readers, this prolific Victorian writer blended clear explanation with a strong sense of wonder. Her books ranged from popular science to children’s stories and religious fiction, making difficult ideas feel friendly and exciting.
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