Dorothy's Double. Volume 1 (of 3)

"Dorothy's Double. Volume 1 (of 3)" by G. A. (George Alfred) Henty is a historical fiction set in late 19th-century England, starting on a stormy night by the Thames where a man awaits a woman named Polly. The narrative unfolds a tale of crime and trickery, quickly pulling the reader into a web of moral uncertainty. The story opens with Warbles meeting Polly, who is wearing a cloak and shawl, suggesting they are secretly plotting something. Their dialogue reveals that Polly has stolen something, and the two are planning their next move, hinting at their deeper involvement together in shadowy activities. The narrative then introduces a girl named Sally, who is living in poverty with a cruel woman named Mrs. Phillips. Warbles expresses an interest in Sally, offering her a chance at a better life through education, but his motivations seem questionable. In total this book sets the stage for high-stakes drama, mixing themes of crime with the real-life social issues of the time.