A young man's story

by Sarah Doudney (1843–1926)

• Free to read
• 25 min read

A young man's story by Sarah Doudney is a romantic supernatural short story written in the late 19th century, during the Victorian era. It centers on a broken engagement, a mysterious vision that averts disaster, and the healing power of love and fate. A young man, Horace, recalls his engagement to gentle May Newton in the quiet seaside village of Longbeach. Sour from City work, he returns in winter, their happiness collapses, and they part. Months later, en route to Monksbury, he passes through Longbeach and sees May on the platform, pale and wrapped in a white shawl, urgently beckoning him to get off the train. He obeys; the train goes on and is wrecked. Seeking her, he learns the Newtons now live in Richmond and that May, gravely ill, had at that very hour dreamed she stood on the Longbeach platform warning him, shawl and all. Convinced they were mysteriously joined, they reconcile; his fortunes soon improve after an uncle’s death, and they begin a happy life together, the “vision” having saved both his life and their love.

• Short stories
• Supernatural
• Man-woman relationships
• England
• Betrothal