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Adrien Leroy

by Charles Garvice (1850–1920)

  • Free to read
  • 4 hours to read
  • 26 chapters
  • Reading level: 6th grade

"Adrien Leroy" by Charles Garvice is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around Adrien Leroy, a prominent figure in fashionable society, who is known for his wealth and charm. The opening chapters introduce a world of elite social gatherings, intertwined relationships, and hints of intrigue, particularly surrounding the enigmatic Jasper Vermont, Leroy's friend who appears to have a significant influence over him. At the start of the novel, the atmosphere is set on a cold spring night in London, where Leroy's friends are waiting for him at a posh club. We meet Lord Standon, Mortimer Shelton, and Frank Parselle, who discuss Leroy's notorious tardiness and the impact of Jasper Vermont on their friend. As the group reflects on their separate lives and the relationships they navigate, particularly with women like Ada Lester, the narrative hints at deeper tensions and rivalries. Leroy's character emerges as affable yet somewhat aloof, with complex loyalties, especially regarding Vermont—whose underlying motives seem suspect. The opening lays the groundwork for a story of romance, rivalry, and the struggle for personal integrity amid societal pressures.

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  • English fiction

Read the opening

Chapter I

It was a cold night in early spring, and the West End streets were nearly deserted. The great shutters of the shops were being drawn down with a dull rumble, and every moment the pavements grew more dreary looking as the glories of the plate-glass windows were hidden.

Tired workers with haggard faces were making their way homeward; to them the day was at an end. But to the occupants of the whirring taxis and smart motors, as they sped westward, the round of their day was but half-way through; for them, the great ones of the earth, the all-important hour of dinner was at hand.

At the entrance of one of the most luxurious clubs in Pall Mall two men, in immaculate evening dress, stood carelessly surveying the hurrying throngs of people.

"Seven," said one, as the hour struck from the nearest church. "I thought Standon said seven."

"Yes, and like a woman, meant half-past," returned the other, hiding a yawn.

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Contents

Show all 26 chapters
  1. Chapter I
  2. Chapter II
  3. Chapter III
  4. Chapter IV
  5. Chapter V
  6. Chapter VI
  7. Chapter VII
  8. Chapter VIII
  9. Chapter IX
  10. Chapter X
  11. Chapter XI
  12. Chapter XII
  13. Chapter XIII
  14. Chapter XIV
  15. Chapter XV
  16. Chapter XVI
  17. Chapter XVII
  18. Chapter XVIII
  19. Chapter XIX
  20. Chapter XX
  21. Chapter XXI
  22. Chapter XXII
  23. Chapter XXIII
  24. Chapter XXIV
  25. Chapter XXV
  26. Chapter XXVI

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About this edition

This free edition of Adrien Leroy by Charles Garvice comes from Project Gutenberg eBook #16682, released 2005-09-11. 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: Romance, Novels, British Literature.

Summary provided by Project Gutenberg (automatically generated).

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