Set against the backdrop of 19th-century English society, this novel tells the story of a wealthy merchant whose sudden death leaves his heirs in possession of a vast fortune. As they struggle to navigate the treacherous waters of inheritance law and family intrigue, they must confront their own moral failings and the harsh realities of life in Victorian England. With its richly drawn characters and intricate plot, this book is a must-read for fans of classic literature.This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it.This work is in the 'public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.