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The Daredevil

by Maria Thompson Daviess (1872–1924)

  • Free to read
  • 4 hours to read
  • 20 chapters
  • Reading level: 7th grade

"The Daredevil" by Maria Thompson Daviess is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows Roberta, also known as the Marquise de Grez and Bye, a spirited young woman who embarks on a journey from war-torn France to America. As she navigates her way through personal loss and the challenges of finding her place in a new country, the narrative grapples with themes of identity, courage, and the role of women during tumultuous times. The opening of "The Daredevil" sets the stage for Roberta's transition from Europe to America, depicting her deeply emotional farewell to her ailing father and her commitment to securing a future for herself and her younger brother, Pierre. On board the ship, Roberta's strength and determination shine as she befriends Captain Count de Lasselles, who impresses upon her the importance of resilience and bravery. As she arrives in America, her complex relationship with her estranged uncle and the societal expectations placed upon her threaten to challenge her newfound independence and willingness to defy traditional gender roles. This rich beginning encapsulates Roberta as a character full of grit and heart, promising an engaging exploration of personal transformation amidst adversity.

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  • Fiction

Read the opening

Chapter I

SPARKLING WAVES OVER HIGH EXPLOSIVES

Was there ever a woman who did not very greatly desire for herself, at long moments, the doublet and hose of a man, perhaps also his sword, as well as his attitude in the viewing of life? I think not. To a very small number of those ladies of great curiosity it has been granted that they climb to those ramparts of the life of a man; but it was needful that they be stout of limb and sturdy of heart to sustain themselves upon that eminence and not be dashed below upon the rocks of a strange land. I, Roberta, Marquise de Grez and Bye, have obtained glimpses into a far country and this is what I bring on returning, not as a spy, but, shall I say, laden with spices and forbidden fruit?

And for me it has been a very fine dash into the wilds of a land of strangeness, and I do not know that I have yet found myself completely returned unto my estate of a woman.

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Contents

  1. Chapter I
  2. Chapter II
  3. Chapter III
  4. Chapter IV
  5. Chapter V: "Here's My Boy, Governor"
  6. Chapter VI: "We Both Need You"
  7. Chapter VII
  8. Chapter VIII
  9. Chapter IX: "O'er the Land of the Free — "
  10. Chapter X
  11. Chapter XI
  12. Chapter XII
  13. Chapter XIII
  14. Chapter XIV
  15. Chapter XV: "Behold, I Am a Spy!"
  16. Chapter XVI: "Immediately I Come to You!"
  17. Chapter XVII
  18. Chapter XVIII
  19. Chapter XIX
  20. Chapter XX: "You Are — Myself!"

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About this edition

This free edition of The Daredevil by Maria Thompson Daviess comes from Project Gutenberg eBook #12931, released 2004-07-17. It is in the public domain in the United States, so you can read it here in full at no cost, on any phone, tablet or computer. Genre: Novels, American Literature.

Summary provided by Project Gutenberg (automatically generated).

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