The Impending Sword: A Novel (Vol. 1 of 3)

"The Impending Sword: A Novel (Vol. 1 of 3)" by Edmund Yates is a fiction novel written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around Redmond Dillon and Charles Vanderlip, who embark on an evening visit to the lavish home of Alston Griswold in New York City. The narrative introduces a complex interplay of personal relationships and societal expectations, focusing on the emotional struggles of the characters, particularly Helen Griswold, who is embroiled in a web of love, devotion, and unease regarding her husband’s upcoming trip to Europe. At the start of the novel, the atmosphere is lively as Redmond Dillon and his friend Vanderlip prepare to visit the Griswolds’ extravagant gathering. They engage in light banter about the hosts, revealing layers of their personalities and their connections to the Griswolds. As the night unfolds, we learn more about Helen's complex feelings towards her husband, Alston, who is set to leave for Europe. Helen expresses profound worry about his departure and a sense of foreboding that hangs over their serenity. The opening chapters establish a tension rooted in societal obligations and marital dynamics, hinting at deeper conflicts and emotional turmoil involving Helen, her husband, and Trenton Warren—Alston's enigmatic friend, whose gaze on Helen suggests unspoken tensions that are likely to unfold as the story progresses. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Edmund Hodgson Yates was a British journalist, novelist and dramatist.