
In a bustling London workshop, Anthony Cragg runs a modest furniture business that doubles as a hub for the city’s eclectic clientele. His wife, a flamboyantly dressed woman with a sharp tongue, is ever‑ready to offer unsolicited advice, especially when a shabby‑clad stranger and a weary young woman appear at the back door, seeking shelter and a place to stay.
Mr. Cragg, calm and measured, invites the strangers into a cramped room filled with carpets and a solitary chair, where the newcomer finally lets out a sigh of relief. Their arrival sets off a clash of personalities: Mrs. Cragg’s suspicion of the poor tenant’s motives meets the merchant’s seasoned pragmatism, hinting at the uneasy balance between hospitality and business in a world where appearances often deceive.
Language
en
Duration
~3 hours (213K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Original publisher
United Kingdom: The Religious Tract Society, 1901.
Release date
2023-05-27
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.
View all books