The Summit House Mystery; Or, The Earthly Purgatory

"The Summit House Mystery; Or, The Earthly Purgatory" by L. Dougall is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story is set against the backdrop of the Appalachian Mountains in Georgia, where it unfolds the tale of Neil Durgan, the last heir of a once-wealthy family, who is grappling with the repercussions of personal loss and social decline. As Durgan starts a new chapter of his life amid the sublime wilderness, themes of identity, unfulfilled dreams, and the complexities of human relationships emerge prominently throughout the narrative. The opening of the novel introduces Neil Durgan as he traverses the village of Deer Cove, burdened by disappointment and haunted memories. He arrives at a nearby cabin owned by a former slave, Adam, who portrays the social dynamics within the region, hinting at the interaction between different social classes. The story quickly shifts focus to Durgan's arrival at the Summit House, a residence inhabited by two northern sisters, Miss Hermie and Miss Birdie, who are depicted with a sense of mystery. Bertha, Hermie's sister, appears to harbor an unsettling anxiety about Durgan's presence. This initial interaction sets a tone of intrigue and hints at underlying secrets that may define their destinies as their lives become tangled in a web of past mistakes and social expectations.

The Summit House Mystery; Or, The Earthly Purgatory, by L. Dougall. Republished by OpenStories from Project Gutenberg eBook #55189.