Mercia, the astronomer royal: A romance

The year of grace, 2002, had arrived and the world had seen many changes. The kingdoms of the earth had gone through great experiences. Nations had risen and fallen; the boundar...

For over a hundred years woman had been gradually developing in strength and stature, and had by this time attained as great a height as man formerly possessed. ‘Woman’s weaknes...

The nineteenth century saw the development of natural science to such a gigantic extent that the people could only exclaim—‘It is like reading a fairy tale of double-distilled e...

Long before this period the women of England had become celebrated for their mental attainments, splendid physique, and exceeding beauty; but chiefest of all was the lovely and...

Now, as stated previously, the method of combat was entirely different from any practised in previous times, for the antagonist’s life was not sought in any case, but disablemen...

‘Of queenly mien, of loveliest form, and eyes Like gems set in translucent skies. And all the beauty of the Court was dimmed By fair Igerna: to Uther’s eyes she seemed To stand...

‘Your wondrous, rare description, noble Earl, Of beauteous Margaret hath astonished me. Her virtues graced with external gifts, Do breed love’s settled passions in my heart; And...

The discussion then terminated, but not the dispute. Each went his own way with the determination to work out the discomfiture of his adversary, to the best of his ability. Sadb...

Taking into consideration, too, that on that very morning he had quarrelled with her, and brutally told her that he heartily wished himself rid of her, it was at present, scarce...

When Mercia retired to her private apartment she hardly knew whither she was going. At first she entered her usual sitting-room, then suddenly she made a turn and rushed into he...

‘As atom unto atom firmly lies, Obeying blindly that great law which makes Subservient even lifeless matter; wakes An energy, a force, whose hidden ties Bind animate or inanimat...

‘I know the wealth of every urn In which unnumbered rubies burn, Beneath the pillars of Chilminar; I know where the isles of perfume are, Many a fathom down in the sea, To the s...

‘Whence all this strange attraction? ’Tis Nature’s law, Which irresistibly impels and leads With forces so unutterably strong, And yet so hid—so wrapped in joy—concealed— That w...

The next morning when Mercia awoke and found herself in this luxurious bedchamber, surrounded by every comfort that modern invention could bestow; for every article of utility r...

The Great Justice Hall, as it was named, was of such dimensions that it afforded accommodation for several thousands of persons, who on this occasion of unprecedented interest a...

‘The providence that’s in a watchful state Knows almost every grain of Pluto’s gold; Finds bottom in the uncomprehensive deeps; Keeps pace with thought, and almost like the Gods...