The Dream Woman

by Wilkie Collins

 

THE DREAM WOMAN

A MYSTERY IN FOUR NARRATIVES

 

 

[Introductory Note.—The original version of this story was published, many years since, in "Household Words," and was afterwards printed in the collection of my shorter stories called "The Queen of Hearts." In the present version—written for my public readings in the United States—new characters and new incidents are introduced; and a new beginning and ending have been written. Indeed, the whole complexion of the narrative differs so essentially from the older and shorter version, as to justify me in believing that the reader will find in these pages what is, to all practical intents and purposes, a new story.—W. C]

 

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PERSONS OF THE MYSTERY.

Francis Raven …	… (Ostler).
Mrs. Raven …	… (His mother).
Mrs. Chance …	… (His aunt).
Percy Fairbank	(His master and mistress).
Mrs. Fairbank
Joseph Ricobert …	… (His fellow-servant).
Alicia Warlock …	… (His wife).
Period—The Present Time.
Scene—Partly in England, partly in France.

 

 

CONTENTS

 

FIRST NARRATIVE.

Introductory Statement of the Facts. By Percy Fairbank 139

Chapters (not listed in original)

I. II. III.

 

SECOND NARRATIVE.

The Ostler's Story. Told by Himself 155

Chapters (not listed in original)

IV. V. VI. VII. VIII. IX. X. XI. XII. XIII.

 

THIRD NARRATIVE.

The Story Continued. By Percy Fairbank 200

Chapters (not listed in original)

XIV. XV. XVI.

 

FOURTH NARRATIVE.

The Statement of Joseph Rigobert 204

 

Chapters (not listed in original)

Last Lines. Added By Percy Fairbank.