The Heart of a Mystery

"The Heart of a Mystery" by T. W. Speight is an old novel that pulls readers into the gloomy world of the Pengarvon sisters, especially Miss Barbara, who lives in the faraway Broome Hall. The story seems to be about family pride, hidden secrets, and what society expects, with the main drama focused on the return of Isabel, who had been pushed away from the family. The story begins with Miss Barbara doing needlework all alone on a sad December night in Broome Hall, setting a dark and isolated mood. Suddenly, Isabel, her sister who had been gone for many years, shows up at the door, begging for a place to stay after suffering years of shame. Even though Isabel is desperate, Miss Barbara coldly turns her away, showing how distant and proud the Pengarvon family is. These beginning parts of the story create an exciting setting that hints at the drama to come and how the characters' lives are connected, making readers curious to discover the mystery of the family, what will happen to Isabel, and what the consequences of old angers will be.