The Christmas Princess
The narrative follows John Bennett Watson, a successful managing director who finds himself intrigued by Frances Welford, a dedicated bank secretary. As Christmas approaches, Watson becomes increasingly fascinated by her, particularly when he learns she works late at the bank, even on Christmas Eve. His admiration for her beauty and dedication contrasts sharply with his disdain for the bank manager, Mr. Gray, who allows her to work during the holidays. On Christmas Eve, Watson travels to his family cottage in Tatterdown, where he has spent many Christmases alone. However, his solitude is interrupted when an airplane unexpectedly lands nearby. He encounters Colonel Alfred James and a mysterious woman, later revealed to be Princess Marie of Thurgen, who is traveling incognito due to political tensions. The colonel explains that they are in a precarious situation, as the princess has enemies who threaten her life. Watson offers them shelter for the night, and as the evening unfolds, he learns more about the princess's plight. The colonel is protective and armed, indicating the seriousness of their situation. Tension builds as Watson becomes increasingly aware of the danger surrounding the princess, and he finds himself drawn into a web of intrigue. As the night progresses, the colonel's demeanor shifts from cordial to threatening when he realizes Watson has locked the door to prevent their escape. A confrontation ensues, leading to a physical struggle between Watson and the colonel. Just as the situation escalates, local police arrive, having been alerted by Watson's clever use of his dog to send a message. In the aftermath, the truth about Frances Welford is revealed: she was kidnapped by the colonel and his accomplice, who intended to use her as leverage in a bank heist. Watson's earlier observations of her working late at the bank had led him to piece together the mystery. The story culminates in a festive Christmas dinner, where Watson and Welford share a moment of connection, hinting at the potential for a deeper relationship. The work explores themes of duty, romance, and the unexpected intersections of lives during the holiday season, ultimately leading to a resolution that blends adventure with the warmth of Christmas spirit.
By Edgar Wallace · First published 1925 · Genre: Romance, Adventure, Mystery · 5,895 words
First lines
There were times when John Bennett Watson (abbreviated for office purposes to "J. B. ") wished he were not the Managing Director of the Western Commercial Corporation; moments when he envied the manager of the Broad Street branch of the Southern & Eastern Bank. This in spite of the fact that he was a normal man of thirty-something, without any business worries whatever, enjoying the best of health and an income which, at a moderate estimate, was twenty times larger than the hard-worked bank manager.
What this Textopian page supports
The Christmas Princess is listed on Textopian as a novel by Edgar Wallace, dated 1925 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: 1925 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Romance, Adventure, Mystery, Drama, Christmas Fiction
- Length: 5,895 words
- Structure: 1 section, 163 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Christmas Princess 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 The Christmas Princess?
- 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 interest between John Watson and Princess Marie, highlighting themes of love and attraction.
- Adventure — The story includes elements of adventure, particularly with the unexpected arrival of a princess and the ensuing conflict.
- Mystery — The narrative contains a mystery surrounding the identity of the princess and the intentions of the men accompanying her.
- Drama — The emotional and interpersonal conflicts, particularly regarding class and identity, contribute to the dramatic elements of the story.
Tags
Christmas · princess · mystery · adventure · romance · suspense · fiction · historical · drama · intrigue · wealth · betrayal