Through the Veil by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

Name: Through the Veil
Author: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

A couple, John and Maggie Brown, visit the excavations of a Roman fort on their wedding anniversary. John, a solid citizen, contrasts with Maggie, who has a nervous temperament. During their visit, Maggie experiences a strange connection to the site, feeling as if she is part of its history. They discuss the fort's past, including its abandonment and the discovery of a skeleton, which leaves them both unsettled. That night, John has a vivid dream where he finds himself in a battle, feeling a primal connection to the chaos around him. He sees a woman in the firelight, who he recognizes as Maggie, and he attempts to save her from danger. The dream culminates in a confrontation with a man named Marcus, who threatens him. Maggie, upon hearing this name, reacts violently, revealing a deep-seated connection to a past life. The incident leaves both John and Maggie shaken, hinting at a shared history that transcends their current lives. They choose to ignore the experience, returning to their mundane existence, but the encounter has subtly altered their perceptions of reality and their relationship. The story explores themes of reincarnation, the impact of history on the present, and the hidden depths of personal identity.

By Sir Arthur Conan Doyle · First published 1912 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Supernatural, Psychological Fiction · 2,829 words

First lines

He was a great shock-headed, freckle-faced Borderer, the lineal / descendant of a cattle-thieving clan in Liddesdale. In spite of his / ancestry he was as solid and sober a citizen as one would wish to see, a / town councillor of Melrose, an elder of the Church, and the chairman of / the local branch of the Young Men's Christian Association. Brown was his / name -- and you saw it printed up as "Brown and Handiside" over the / great grocery stores in the High Street. His wife, Maggie Brown, was an / Armstrong before her marriage, and came from an old farming stock in / the wilds of Teviothead. She was small, swarthy, and dark-eyed, with a / strangely nervous temperament for a Scotch woman. No greater contrast / could be found than the big tawny man and the dark little woman; but / both were of the soil as far back as any memory could extend.

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Through the Veil is listed on Textopian as a short story by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, dated 1912 CE.

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Work type: Short story
Author: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Date: 1912 CE
Language: English
Genres: Historical Fiction, Supernatural, Psychological Fiction, Romance, Mystery
Length: 2,829 words
Structure: 1 section, 41 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

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Genres

Historical Fiction — The story is set against the backdrop of a Roman fort and explores themes of history and memory.
Supernatural — The narrative includes elements of dreams and uncanny experiences that suggest a connection to past lives.
Psychological Fiction — The characters experience deep psychological effects from their visit to the fort, leading to intense emotional revelations.
Romance — The relationship between Brown and Maggie is central to the plot, highlighting their emotional connection.