Philip Caresfoot is all but promised to marry the local heiress, Maria Lee. They are both to inherit small fortunes in their own right. And thus their marriages to each other would make an ever more wealthier household. However, when Hilda, a noblewoman with no wealth of her own, arrives in town to become Maria's companion, Philip begins to fall in love with her. They have an affair when Philip is sent away to Oxford and they marry in secret. When Philip returns to his home, his father inquires about his relationship with Maria Lee. Philip tells him that Maria Lee and himself are engaged. How will he keep all his lies together and still inherit the land and money from his father? For it is sure that the father will disinherit his son once he discovers the truth of the matter. H. Rider Haggard was an English author known for his fantastic adventure stories as well as his sympathetic portrayal of native peoples. He is best known for creating the fictional character Allan Quartermain. A character that has been resurrected as a comic book hero in The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen. Sean Connery played the role of Allan Quartermain in the film adaptation of the comic.

Author Biography

Sir Henry Rider Haggard (1856 - 1925), known as H. Rider Haggard, was an English writer of adventure novels set in exotic locations, predominantly Africa and a pioneer of the Lost World literary genre. He was also involved in agricultural reform throughout the British Empire. His stories, situated at the lighter end of Victorian literature, continue to be popular and influential.