The Pagan's Cup by Fergus Hume

The story revolves around a mysterious cup that has been stolen from an antique shop. The protagonist, a young lawyer named Maurice Wimpole, becomes embroiled in the mystery when he agrees to defend the accused thief, a woman named Lucy Belford. As Maurice delves deeper into the case, he uncovers a complex web of deceit and conspiracy involving a secret society, blackmail, and murder.

By Fergus Hume · First published 1891 · Genre: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction · 20 chapters · 91,202 words

First lines

Certain portions of England yet remain undiscovered by Americans and uncivilised by railways. Colester village above King's-meadows, in a county which need not be named, is one of these unknown spots. No doubt before long the bicycle and the motor-car will enliven its somnolent neighbourhood, but at present it is free from the summer jaunts of tourists. With this neglect the Colester folk profess themselves satisfied. They have no wish to come into contact with the busy world. This prejudice against intrusion dates from mediaeval times, when strangers rarely came to the village with peaceful intentions. Even now a chance comer is looked upon with suspicion.

What this Textopian page supports

The Pagan's Cup is listed on Textopian as a novel by Fergus Hume, dated 1891 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: 1891 CE
• Language: English
• Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction, Gothic Fiction, Romance
• Length: 91,202 words
• Structure: 20 chapters, 1,782 paragraphs
• Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)

Good citation fit

• Work identity for The Pagan's Cup 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 Pagan's Cup?
• How does this novel by Fergus Hume fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
• Where does Mystery first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

• The Rainbow Feather by Fergus Hume
• The Secret Passage by Fergus Hume
• The Burg by Egerton Castle
• The Purple Fern by Fergus Hume
• The Red Window by Fergus Hume
• The Bishops Secret by Fergus Hume

Genres

• Mystery — The plot revolves around the mysterious dynamics of a secluded village and the interactions of its inhabitants, suggesting elements of intrigue and suspense.
• Historical Fiction — The narrative is set in a historical context, referencing medieval traditions and the legacy of the Gabriel family, which adds depth to the setting.
• Literary Fiction — The writing style is rich in description and character development, focusing on the psychological and emotional aspects of the characters.
• Gothic Fiction — The presence of a chapel, themes of madness, and the eerie atmosphere of the village contribute to a gothic sensibility.

Tags

Mystery · Thriller · Suspense · Detective Fiction · Crime · Murder · Investigation · London · Victorian Era · Gothic · Dark · Atmospheric

Contents

• A Modern Arcadia
• The Crusaders' Chapel
• The Lady of the Manor
• The Dinner-Party
• Love's Young Dream
• Trouble
• A Nine Days' Wonder
• Haverleigh's Defence
• A Bad Reputation
• The Price of Silence
• The London Detective
• A Surprise
• An Interesting Document
• An Unexpected Meeting
• A New Complication
• Sybil's Visitor
• Lord Kilspindie Explains
• A Miracle
• A Story of the Past
• Mrs Gabriel's Secret

More by Fergus Hume

• The Mystery Queen (1912)
• The Caravan Crime (1924)
• The Crowned Skull (1908)
• The Green Mummy (1908)
• The Mystery of a Hansom Cab (1886)
• The Secret Passage (1905)
• Madame Midas (1888)
• Red Money (1892)
• All works by Fergus Hume