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    • THE LITTLE WRETCH Cover
      by LovelyMay In this chapter of "Dolly Dialogues," the narrator engages in a conversation with Mrs. Hilary Musgrave about Johnny Tompkins, a young man who had been sent away with instructions to reform himself. Mrs. Musgrave immediately dismisses Johnny as "the little wretch," noting his past thefts that nearly amounted to a thousand, which briefly elevated his social standing. Mr. Carter, the narrator, explores Mrs. Musgrave's awareness and opinion on the matter, revealing that despite Johnny's respectable family…
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      MY LAST CHANCE

      MY LAST CHANCE Cover
      by LovelyMay In "My Last Chance" from the "Dolly Dialogues", the narrative unfolds with Mrs. Hilary Musgrave giving the protagonist, presumably Mr. Carter, a forthright ultimatum. This represents his final opportunity to impress and engage with a suitable match, described as a very nice, pretty girl with a considerable fortune. Mrs. Hilary's patience is thin; she mandates success this time or vows to cease her efforts. The girl in question, Miss Sophia Milton, is described as possessing a slight north-country accent, a…
    • A MATTER OF DUTY Cover
      by LovelyMay In this chapter of "Dolly Dialogues," the narrator, Mr. Carter, is summoned by Lady Mickleham, née Dolly Foster, fresh from her honeymoon, for a confidential consultation. The conversation gently orbits her adjustment to marriage and the weighty expectations set by her in-laws, with an emphasis on the peculiar and mildly onerous traditions of becoming a part of her husband Archie’s family. Dolly candidly shares her dilemmas about adjusting to her new role, revealing her in-laws' mix of warmth and…
    • THE PERVERSENESS OF IT Cover
      by LovelyMay In the chapter "The Perverseness of It" from "Dolly Dialogues," a conversational interlude unfolds between Mr. Carter and Miss Nellie Phaeton during a drive through the Park. Their dialogue, marked by wit and subtle revelations, navigates through themes of love, marriage, social standings, and personal desires against societal norms. Miss Phaeton's gusto and Mr. Carter's cautious charm underscore a societal critique veiled in humor and irony. They debate the romanticized concept of love versus the…
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      RETRIBUTION

      RETRIBUTION Cover
      by LovelyMay In "Retribution," the narrator, Mr. Carter, recounts a humorous altercation resulting from a series of misunderstandings and social faux pas involving Miss Dolly Foster and her fiancé, the Earl of Mickleham, intertwined with the disapproval of the Earl's mother, Lady Mickleham. The chapter opens with Carter's resolve to be more cautious in his actions and particularly vigilant about Dolly Foster's antics, hinting at her playful, if somewhat reckless, disposition. Carter is summoned by Lady Mickleham,…
    • CORDIAL RELATIONS Cover
      by LovelyMay The chapter titled "Cordial Relations" in "Dolly Dialogues" unfolds with the narrator, presumably Mr. Carter, visiting Miss Dolly Foster to present a symbolic piece of jewelry for her marriage to Lord Mickleham. The gift, a broken pearl heart adorned with rubies and diamonds, ingeniously symbolizes his feelings about her upcoming nuptials. The dialogue quickly shifts as Dolly, seemingly unfazed by the emotional weight of the gift, steers the conversation towards the various letters of congratulation she…
    • A LIBERAL EDUCATION Cover
      by LovelyMay In "A Liberal Education" from the "Dolly Dialogues," Miss Dolly Foster reflects on her transformative influence over Phil Meadows, a young man she encounters with a companion on the Row, who subsequently snubs her. Three years prior, Meadows was socially inept, teetotaling, non-smoking, concert-going, with unfashionable attire, carrying an unrolled umbrella and a paper parcel. Dolly took it upon herself to reform him, teaching him social graces, compelling him to dance, and even destroying his…
    • Dolly Dialogues Cover
      by LovelyMay Dolly Dialogues by Anthony Hope is a collection of witty and humorous vignettes, published in 1894, featuring sharp exchanges between the charming Dolly and her admirers. The book captures the nuances of Victorian society and relationships with clever dialogue and satire.
    • MY TRIUMPHANT FINALE Cover
      by LovelyMay As the story of "The Autobiography of a Slander" draws to a close, we witness the poignant conclusion to the unjust suffering of Sigismund Zaluski, wrongfully imprisoned due to the careless spread of a slander. The narrative continues to unfold within the grim confines of Zaluski's prison cell, showcasing his initial despair and subsequent efforts to find solace through reading, writing, and tapping a form of Morse code to communicate with Valerian Vasilowitch, his neighbor and a victim of similar…
    • MY SEVENTH STAGE Cover
      by LovelyMay In "The Autobiography of a Slander," the seventh stage unfolds with a dramatic turn of events set against the backdrop of September's sunny disposition in England and the contrasting stern atmosphere of St. Petersburg, Russia. The chapter begins with the simultaneous departure of Sigismund Zaluski to Russia, following an urgent summon by his uncle, and the travel of the slanderous letter to its Russian destination. Zaluski, who was at the Morleys' in Muddleton, departs with a promise to return in a…
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