The narrative follows Morton Carlton, a successful portrait painter from New York, who becomes infatuated with Princess Aline of Hohenwald after seeing her photograph. At 26, Carlton is a man of leisure, having achieved early success in his career. He is charming, self-deprecating, and somewhat romantic, believing in the ideal of love without the constraints of marriage. His life takes a turn when he decides to travel to Europe, seeking adventure and perhaps a chance encounter with the princess. Upon arriving in Europe, Carlton learns that Aline is attending a royal wedding in London. He becomes determined to meet her, sending a telegram to the German Embassy to inquire about her whereabouts. After a series of misadventures, he discovers that Aline is in London, and he follows her to Paris, where he continues to pursue her from a distance. As Carlton navigates the social circles of Europe, he meets Edith Morris and her aunt, who become his companions. Edith is engaged to Mr. Abbey, but Carlton finds himself drawn to her, developing a friendship that complicates his feelings. Despite his growing affection for Edith, his obsession with Aline remains. The story unfolds with Carlton's attempts to connect with Aline, which are thwarted by her royal status and the constraints of etiquette. He witnesses her from afar, feeling both admiration and frustration at the barriers between them. Aline, meanwhile, is portrayed as a charming yet trapped figure, bound by her royal duties and the expectations of her family. A turning point occurs when Aline injures her ankle while exploring the Acropolis, leading to a cancellation of a royal reception. Carlton learns of her injury and feels a mix of concern and disappointment, realizing that fate seems to conspire against his pursuit of her. He grapples with his feelings for both Aline and Edith, ultimately recognizing that his infatuation with Aline may be more about the ideal than the reality. As the narrative progresses, Carlton's relationship with Edith deepens, and he begins to question his initial obsession with Aline. The story culminates in a moment of clarity for Carlton, where he acknowledges his feelings for Edith and the possibility of a future with her. The princess, meanwhile, is depicted as a figure of longing and unattainability, representing the romantic ideals that Carlton has chased throughout his journey. In the end, the themes of love, longing, and the complexities of human relationships are explored, leaving Carlton at a crossroads between his past infatuation and the potential for a genuine connection with Edith. The narrative concludes with a sense of resolution as Carlton embraces the reality of his feelings, suggesting that true love may be found in unexpected places.
By Richard Harding Davis · First published 1902 · Genre: Romance, Historical Fiction, Adventure · 3 chapters