
The Harlequin Opal, Volume 2
The story revolves around the mysterious Harlequin Opal, a valuable gemstone with a dark history. The novel follows the adventures of a young woman who inherits the opal and becomes embroiled in a complex web of deceit, theft, and murder. As she navigates the treacherous world of London's high society, she uncovers secrets about her family's past and the true nature of the opal.
By Fergus Hume · First published 1893 · Genre: Adventure, Historical Fiction, Romance · 13 chapters · 67,824 words
First lines
Oh, leave the south, the languid south, Its cloudless skies, its weary calms; The land of heat, and glare, and drouth, Where aloes bloom, and spring the palms. There water is the best of alms, To cool the ever-parched mouth; Oh, with the breezes bearing balms, Fly northward from the languid south.
Oh, seek the bitter northern skies, Where falls the snow, and blows the sleet; 'Mid which the stormy sea-bird cries, And circles on its pinions fleet. On rocky shores the surges beat, And icebergs crystalline arise, Life thrills our veins with tropic heat, Beneath the bitter northern skies.
What this Textopian page supports
The Harlequin Opal, Volume 2 is listed on Textopian as a novel by Fergus Hume, dated 1893 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: Fergus Hume
- Date: 1893 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Adventure, Historical Fiction, Romance, Drama, Mystery
- Length: 67,824 words
- Structure: 13 chapters, 1,282 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Harlequin Opal, Volume 2 by Fergus Hume
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Harlequin Opal, Volume 2?
- How does this novel by Fergus Hume fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Adventure first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
Genres
- Adventure — The plot revolves around a perilous mission to confront a powerful adversary, featuring elements of exploration and danger.
- Historical Fiction — The narrative is set against a backdrop of political conflict and historical events, reflecting the socio-political climate of the time.
- Romance — The protagonist's motivation includes rescuing a love interest, intertwining personal relationships with the broader conflict.
- Drama — The story includes intense character interactions and emotional conflicts, highlighting themes of loyalty, ambition, and betrayal.
Tags
Mystery · Thriller · Suspense · Detective Fiction · Crime · Victorian Era · London Setting · Gothic Atmosphere · Dark Secrets · Family Drama · Wealth and Class · Social Hierarchy
Contents
- Away to the North
- Acauhtzin
- Don Hypolito Xuarez
- Rivals
- In Shadowland
- The Shrine of the Opal
- An Unexpected Meeting
- An Indian Festival
- The Fugitives
- Fortune Turns her Wheel
- Away to the Front
- A Naval Engagement -- New Style
- Without the Walls
More by Fergus Hume