Captivating Mary Carstairs

"Captivating Mary Carstairs" by Henry Sydnor Harrison is a novel set in the early 20th century. The story revolves around a complex scenario involving a kidnapping orchestrated by Laurence Varney, who is tasked with bringing his friend's estranged daughter, Mary Carstairs, to visit her father. As Varney embarks on this morally ambiguous mission, the narrative unfolds in a setting that hints at themes of familial connection and social intrigue. The opening of the book introduces Varney, who unexpectedly finds himself embroiled in a plan to "kidnap" Mary Carstairs after a lengthy separation from her father, Elbert Carstairs. Varney's friend, Peter Maginnis, joins him in this questionable venture, setting the stage for a blend of comedy and drama. The chapter delves into the dynamics of the Curzon Club, where Varney and his companions converse about politics and personal dilemmas. As their plan to use a yacht for the operation takes shape, the atmosphere balances tension and humor, presenting both the absurdity of the plot and the deeper implications of parental desire and societal expectations. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Henry Sydnor Harrison (1880–1930) was an American novelist, born in Sewanee, Tenn. He graduated from Columbia in 1900, and received an honorary A.M. from the same university in 1913. In 1914, he was elected a member of the National Institute of Arts and Letters. He wrote under the pen name "Henry Second," and made contributions to The Atlantic Monthly and other magazines. Novels written by him include Queed (1911) and V.V.'s Eyes (1913), which were very well received. Other works include Angela's Business (1915), When I Come Back (1919), Saint Teresa (1922), and Marriage (1923), a volume of short stories. Harrison also wrote a story, called "Miss Hinch", where a daring criminal and the lady after her make their way through New York City streets at midnight.