046 - Part 10 Chapters 1 and 2

In the serene countryside, the Caxton familys peaceful existence is upended by a trip to London. There, Pisistratus, their son, receives an intriguing offer to become secretary to a prominent parliamentarian. This man’s wife, once adored by both Pisistratus father and uncle, chose a path more suited to her ambitious nature, leaving them heartbroken. Fate takes a twist as Pisistratus finds himself falling for her daughter, Fannie. Meanwhile, his uncle grapples with estrangement from his own son, and the pride of each family member seems to render reconciliation impossible. Driven by love and loyalty, Pisistratus strives to bridge the divides and heal old wounds. While a mere outline of the plot may not capture its allure, the heartfelt connections within the Caxton family shine through, enhanced by Bulwers light touch and gentle humor. This novel stands out as one of his most captivating works, subtly reflecting his experiences with the quirks of political life. - Summary adapted from Warners Synopsis of Books Ancient and Modern, Vol. 2 (1910)