A Romance in Brown by Edgar Wallace
The narrative follows James Calcott Berkley, a stockbroker, who becomes infatuated with a mysterious young woman he observes daily from his office window, known only as the Brown Girl. She captivates him with her beauty and the enigma surrounding her life, particularly her interactions with an elderly woman who collects letters from her. Despite his partner's insistence that he should pursue marriage, Jim is hesitant and cynical about romance. One day, after a chance encounter where the Brown Girl drops her bag, Jim helps her and they share a brief but meaningful moment. This encounter ignites his determination to learn more about her. He discovers that her name is Ella Jones, and she is entangled in a dangerous situation involving a secret society in Italy, which her father was once part of. The society, known as the Milani, demands that her father either commit an assassination or pay a daily sum to avoid repercussions. As Jim becomes more involved in Ella's life, he learns about the threats she faces and her father's past. He offers to help her, despite the risks involved. Their relationship deepens, and Jim confesses his love for her, leading to a passionate exchange where they discuss the possibility of marriage. However, Ella is concerned about her father's reaction, as he has always wanted her to marry a wealthy man. In a twist of fate, Jim discovers that Ella's father is none other than his own partner, Cesar Calley. This revelation complicates their plans, but they decide to marry secretly. On the day of their wedding, Jim and Ella elope, leaving behind the complications of their respective lives. Cesar Calley, unaware of the marriage, continues his routine, waiting for Jim to arrive at the office. When he receives a telegram announcing their marriage, he is initially surprised but ultimately pleased, as he had been secretly fond of Ella's romantic ideals. The story concludes with Calley meeting the old woman who had been involved in the Milani scheme, revealing that he had orchestrated the entire situation to ensure Ella's safety and happiness, while also securing a financial arrangement for the old woman. The work explores themes of love, secrecy, and the complexities of human relationships, set against a backdrop of intrigue and danger. The characters navigate their desires and fears, ultimately finding a resolution that intertwines their lives in unexpected ways.
By Edgar Wallace · First published 1921 · Genre: Romance, Drama, Mystery · 5,197 words
First lines
"Romance.? Yes, of a kind. Romance brings up the nine-fifteen. and there is romance in. well, courtship and that sort of thing. But life is fairly humdrum and unexciting. Wars. at a distance are immensely stirring, but close at hand, look rather like a street accident multiplied by millions. Life is utterly devoid of sensation, and romance is really sensation of a pleasant kind."
James Calcott Berkley sniffed.
What this Textopian page supports
A Romance in Brown is listed on Textopian as a novel by Edgar Wallace, dated 1921 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: Edgar Wallace
- Date: 1921 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Romance, Drama, Mystery, Literary Fiction, Thriller
- Length: 5,197 words
- Structure: 1 section, 161 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for A Romance in Brown by Edgar Wallace
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering A Romance in Brown?
- How does this novel by Edgar Wallace fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Romance first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Romance — The central plot revolves around the romantic relationship between Jim and the Brown Girl, exploring themes of love, attraction, and emotional connection.
- Drama — The narrative includes dramatic elements such as personal conflict, societal expectations, and the tension surrounding the characters' relationships and secrets.
- Mystery — The story involves a mystery surrounding the Brown Girl's identity and her connection to a secret society, creating suspense and intrigue.
- Literary Fiction — The writing style and character development reflect literary fiction, focusing on the inner thoughts and emotional landscapes of the characters.
Tags
romance · mystery · suspense · crime · detective · thriller · adventure · love · betrayal · secrets · intrigue · London