What's Bred in the Bone

"What's Bred in the Bone" by Grant Allen is a captivating story from the late 1800s, where a young woman named Elma Clifford's life is forever changed after finding artist Cyril Waring while riding the train. The tale begins with a mishap that suddenly confines the pair in a shadowy tunnel, the novel explores the nature of fate and the subconscious ties that connect people. Elma's journey starts as she hurries to board a train, only to discover herself sharing a carriage with Cyril Waring. Their first meeting is playful, only to encounter a moment of surprise when the Cyril's snake gets loose. As they talk, a sudden wreck happens, leaving them stuck in the tunnel. The close quarters spark deeper feelings between Elma and Cyril, revealing the story's theme. The blend of danger and budding love establishes a fascinating tone for their bond and implies Elma's conflict with her feelings, caught between her heart and what society thinks.