The story follows the fortunes of the wealthy and powerful Mummer family, who have been living in the same house in the English countryside for generations. The family is headed by the elderly Sir John Mummer, who is determined to keep the family's wealth and power intact. Sir John's son, Charles, is a young man of ambition and drive, determined to make his own mark on the world. He is determined to break away from the family's traditions and make his own way in life. Charles falls in love with a beautiful young woman, but his father disapproves of the match and forbids him to marry her. Charles is determined to defy his father and marry the woman he loves, but his plans are complicated by the arrival of a mysterious stranger who claims to be a distant relative of the Mummer family. The stranger's presence causes a stir in the family, and soon Charles finds himself embroiled in a dangerous game of secrets and lies. As the story progresses, Charles must decide whether to follow his heart or obey his father's wishes, and the consequences of his decision will determine the fate of the Mummer family.
By Fred M. White · First published 1911 · Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Crime Fiction · 11 chapters