Oxford Bookworms Series

A moving portrayal of the struggle between desire and duty in nineteenth- century New York high societyNewland Archer, an eligible young man of the establishment is about to announce his engagement to May Welland, a pretty ingenue, when May's cousin, Countess Olenska, is introduced into their circle. The Countess brings with her an aura of European sophistication and a hint of scandal, having left her husband and claimed her independence.Her sorrowful eyes, her tragic worldliness and her air of unapproachability attract the sensitive Newland and, almost against their will, a passionate bond develops between them. But Archer's life has no place for passion and, with society on the side of May and all she stands for, he finds himself drawn into a bitter conflict between love and duty.

" The Marquis lay there, like stone, with a knife pushed into his heart. On his chest lay a piece of paper, with the words : Drive him fast to the grave. This is from Jacques. " The French Revolution brings terror and death to many people. But even in these troubled times people tan still love and be kind. They tan be generous and true-hearted... and brave.