The Storm Centre

Name: The Storm Centre
Author: Mary Noailles Murfree

The narrative unfolds during the tumultuous backdrop of the American Civil War, focusing on Captain Fluellen Baynell, a Federal officer stationed near a Southern household belonging to Judge Roscoe. The story begins with Baynell's arrival at the Roscoe home, where he is welcomed due to his connection to the judge's past. The household is in a state of tension, reflecting the broader conflict of the war, with the old servant, Uncle Ephraim, providing comic relief through his observations and criticisms of the household's current state. As Baynell interacts with the family, particularly with Leonora Gwynn, the widow of a man who squandered her fortune, he becomes increasingly enamored with her. Leonora, however, is burdened by her past and the memories of her abusive marriage, which complicates her feelings toward Baynell. The story explores themes of love, loss, and the impact of war on personal relationships. The plot thickens when Baynell is forced to impress Leonora's horse for military use, a decision that weighs heavily on his conscience. This act creates a rift between him and the Roscoe family, particularly Leonora, who feels betrayed by the very man she has begun to care for. The tension escalates when a Confederate officer, Julius Roscoe, returns home secretly, seeking refuge in the attic of the Roscoe house. His presence complicates matters further, as Baynell's duty to the Union conflicts with his growing affection for Leonora. As the story progresses, the characters navigate their complex emotions amidst the chaos of war. Baynell grapples with his feelings for Leonora while trying to uphold his military obligations. Leonora, caught between her past and the possibility of a new future, struggles with her feelings for Baynell, ultimately leading to a confrontation where she must choose between her lingering attachment to her late husband and the potential for happiness with Baynell. The climax occurs when the soldiers, in a frenzy, invade the Roscoe home, searching for the Confederate fugitive. In the ensuing chaos, Baynell is injured, and the family must confront the reality of their situation. The story concludes with a sense of unresolved tension, as the characters are left to grapple with their choices and the consequences of their actions in a world torn apart by war. The narrative ultimately reflects on the themes of duty, love, and the personal costs of conflict, leaving readers to ponder the complexities of human relationships in times of strife.

By Mary Noailles Murfree · First published 1893 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Regional Fiction, Romance · 16 chapters · 95,445 words

First lines

The place reminded him then and later of the storm centre of a cyclone. Outside the tempests of Civil War raged. He could hear, as he sat in the quiet, book-lined room, the turbulent drums fitfully beating in tented camps far down the Tennessee River. Through the broad, old-fashioned window he saw the purple hills opposite begin to glow with a myriad of golden gleams, pulsing like fireflies, that told of thousands of troops in bivouac. He read the mystic message of the signal lights, shining with a different lustre, moving athwart the eminence, then back again, expunged in blackness as a fort across the river flashed out an answer. A military band was playing at headquarters, down in the night-begloomed town, and now and again the great blare of the brasses came widely surging on the raw vernal gusts. In the shadowy grove in front of this suburban home his own battery of horse-artillery was parked. It had earlier made its way over many an obstacle, and, oddly enough, through its agency he was recently enabled to penetrate the exclusive reserve of this Southern household, always hitherto coldly aloof and averse to the invader.

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The Storm Centre is listed on Textopian as a novel by Mary Noailles Murfree, dated 1893 CE.

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Work type: Novel
Author: Mary Noailles Murfree
Date: 1893 CE
Language: English
Genres: Literary Fiction, Regional Fiction, Romance, Historical Fiction, Adventure
Length: 95,445 words
Structure: 16 chapters, 1,243 paragraphs
Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)

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Genres

Literary Fiction — The book explores complex characters and themes, focusing on human experiences and emotions.
Regional Fiction — Set in the Southern United States, it reflects the culture, landscape, and social issues of the region.
Romance — The narrative includes romantic elements and relationships that drive character development.
Historical Fiction — The story is set against a historical backdrop, incorporating elements of the time period.