"My Novel"

A witty opening meditation on public duty and private identity sets the tone, warning that politics and civic usefulness can devour the soul unless one preserves an inner self. That balance between satire and seriousness runs through a world of calculated social maneuvering, where pride, ambition, and hidden motives shape every relationship. Riccabocca, wary of Count Peschiera's beauty and influence, settles into a fortified new home under the plain name Mr. Richmouth, keeping silent watch while his daughter Violante remains unaware of the danger. Randal Leslie quickly insinuates himself into the household, charming Mrs. Riccabocca and Violante while quietly advancing his own designs, including a secret marriage scheme involving Frank Hazeldean and Beatrice di Negra and a wary alliance with Peschiera, whose polished conversation masks ruthless self-interest. Amid these intrigues, Harley L'Estrange's story turns inward and tender: speaking to his mother, he admits he now seeks not passion but companionship, and his growing devotion to Helen deepens as she struggles with the humiliations of rank and gratitude. In a moving, uncertain climax, Harley confesses his love, asks Helen to marry him, and presents her as his future wife. This edition has been fully restored with modern typesetting, custom cover design.