Public-domain ebook
The Girl Philippa
Language: en12,179 downloads on Project Gutenberg
Subjects
In: Historical Novels·Romance·Crime, Thrillers and Mystery
Public-domain ebook sourced from Project Gutenberg #52404.
About this book
The novel is a wartime melodrama set against the looming conflict of World War I, as indicated by its subject heading “World War, 1914‑1918 – Fiction.” It opens with a faux‑historical telegram exchange between the Russian and German emperors, immediately drawing the reader into the diplomatic brinkmanship that will shape the plot. The first scene shifts to a conversation between Warner and Halkett, two Englishmen debating the inevitability of war, the breach of treaties, and the strategic possibility of a German invasion through Belgium. Their banter is laced with cynical humor and philosophical musings on honor, marriage, and the nature of conflict, establishing a narrative that intertwines political intrigue with personal relationships, most notably the hinted romance with a character named Philippa.
The prose is characteristic of early twentieth‑century British fiction, employing a verbose, dialogue‑driven style that mixes formal diction with colloquial slang. The author’s voice is witty yet reflective, often breaking into lyrical asides and philosophical digressions that echo the era’s pre‑war literary tone. Readers who enjoy historically grounded stories that blend political commentary with character‑driven drama, particularly those fascinated by the prelude to the Great War and its impact on ordinary lives, will find this work engaging. Its blend of satire, romance, and detailed scenery offers a rewarding experience for fans of period literature and war‑time narratives.
Characters in The Girl Philippa
- PhilippaYoung Englishwoman, chestnut hair in loose curls, delicate features, wearing a high‑collared Edwardian dress with lace trim
- WarnerMiddle‑aged British gentleman, trimmed beard, dark suit with waistcoat, pocket watch chain, dignified posture
- HalkettSlight English man, clean‑shaven, crisp frock coat, cravat, thoughtful expression, holding a pipe
The opening · free to read
"The German government has published several telegrams which the Emperor of Russia exchanged with Emperor William. Among these telegrams, nevertheless, is one which was not published--a dispatch from His Russian Majesty, dated July 29, 1914, containing a proposition to submit the Austro-Servian conflict to The Hague Tribunal.
"This has an appearance of a desire in Germany to pass over in silence the attempt to prevent the approaching collision. In view of this, the Minister of Foreign Affairs is authorized to publish the telegram mentioned, of which this is the text:
"'Thanks for your conciliatory and friendly telegram. Inasmuch as the official message presented today by your ambassador to my minister was conveyed in a very different tone, I beg you to explain this divergency. It would be right to give over the Austro-Servian problem to The Hague Conference. I trust in your wisdom and friendship.'"
"Where did you get that?" asked Warner bluntly.
"This morning at the Boule d'Argent. A friend was kind enough to leave it for me in a note," he added blandly.
"Do you believe it to be authentic?"
"Unfortunately, I can not question its truth."
"You think that the German government----"
"Without any doubt at all, Warner. For her The Day is about to dawn at last. Her Joshua has halted the course of the sun long enough to suit himself. It is scheduled to rise tomorrow."
"Do you mean war?"
"I do."
"Where?"
"Well, here, in France--to mention one place."
"In France!"
"Surely, surely!"
"Invasion?"
"Exactly."
"From which way?"
Halkett shrugged:
"Does anybody now believe it will come by way of the Barrier Forts? The human race never has been partial to cross-country traveling; only ants prefer it."
"You think it will come by the flank--through Belgium?"
"Ask yourself, Warner. Is there an easier way for it to come?"
"But the treaties?"
"_Nulla salus bello; necessitas no habet legem._"
"Nothing dishonorable is ever necessary."
"Ah! If nations could only agree upon the definition of that word 'honor'! There'd be fewer wars, my friend."
"You think, if France follows Russia's example and mobilizes, that Germany will strike through Belgium?"
"I'm sure of it."
"What about England, then?" asked Warner bluntly.
But Halkett remained silent; and he did not repeat the question.
"After all," he said, presently, "this entire business is incredible. Diplomacy will find a way out of it." And, after a moment's silence: "You don't think so?"
"No."
Presently Halkett turned and looked back through the gathering dusk.
"I wonder," he said, "whether they'll get their car out tonight?"
"They'll have to go back to Ausone for aid," said Warner.
"Do you still mean to put me up at Sais?"
"Certainly. You don't expect your friends back there to assault the inn, do you?"
"No," said Halkett, laughing. "They don't do things that way just yet."
Warner snapped his whip, caught the curling lash, let it free, twirled it, and, snapped it again, whistling cheerfully a gay air from his student days--a tune he had not thought of before in years.
"I believe," he said, frankly hopeful, "that you and I are going to have another little party with those fellows before this matter is ended."
"I'm sure of it," said Halkett quietly.
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