A man named Davidson finds himself alone in a country town during the first week of January, seeking to work on his research regarding the Leventhorp Papers. With few options for companionship, he decides to explore the local area, particularly the remnants of Leventhorp House and its associated church. His journey leads him to Brockstone Court, where he meets the keeper's daughter, Mrs. Porter, who shows him the chapel nearby. Inside the chapel, Davidson discovers eight folio Prayer-Books that are mysteriously found open to the same page each time Mrs. Porter cleans. The page is marked with a peculiar rubric for April 25, which intrigues Davidson, especially since it is an unauthorized addition to the text. He learns that the chapel has not been used for years, and the books' repeated opening raises questions about their significance. As Davidson continues his investigation, he encounters a dealer named Homberger, who expresses interest in local antiquities. Davidson, however, is wary of him. The narrative unfolds with Davidson's growing curiosity about the Prayer-Books and their connection to the chapel's history, particularly regarding a figure named Lady Sadleir, who had a controversial past linked to the Commonwealth period. As April 25 approaches, Davidson plans to return to Brockstone with a friend, Witham, to observe any unusual occurrences in the chapel. Upon their arrival, they find the Prayer-Books closed for the first time, leading to a revelation that they have been replaced by a man named Henderson, who had previously visited under the guise of a photographer. This man had stolen the original books, which are of significant value. The story culminates in a twist involving Henderson's mysterious death in London, where he is found with a package containing the stolen Prayer-Books. The police investigation reveals the connection between the theft and the chapel, leading to a resolution that leaves the original books secured and the mystery of their significance intact. The narrative explores themes of history, secrecy, and the intersection of the past with the present, ultimately leaving readers with a sense of intrigue surrounding the chapel and its hidden stories.
By M.R. James · First published 1905 · Genre: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Gothic Fiction