The Nether Millstone

"The Nether Millstone" by Fred M. White is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around Mary Dashwood, a strong-willed woman entangled in a web of familial pride, love, and financial ruin. As her family's legacy is threatened by the unscrupulous Horace Mayfield, she navigates her feelings for Ralph Darnley, a man with a mysterious past and a profound affection for her, all while facing social and personal dilemmas that force her to reconsider her values and the implications of family honor. The opening of the book introduces us to Mary Dashwood, who is in a dangerous situation riding a black horse. As she is rescued by Ralph Darnley, their connection is rekindled, revealing a complicated history between them. The narrative sets up the tension between Mary's inherited pride and the threat posed by Mayfield, who seeks to exploit her family's situation for his own gain. Through this initial encounter and their ensuing dialogue, we see the characters' motivations, the looming financial crisis, and hints of deeper emotional ties, setting the stage for a dramatic exploration of love amidst societal expectations and personal sacrifice. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Fred Merrick White (1859–1935) wrote a number of novels and short stories under the name "Fred M. White" including the six "Doom of London" science-fiction stories, in which various catastrophes beset London. These include The Four Days' Night (1903), in which London is beset by a massive killer smog; The Dust of Death (1903), in which diphtheria infects the city, spreading from refuse tips and sewers; and The Four White Days (1903), in which a sudden and deep winter paralyses the city under snow and ice. These six stories all first appeared in Pearson's Magazine, and were illustrated by Warwick Goble. He was also a pioneer of the spy story, and in 2003, his series The Romance of the Secret Service Fund was edited by Douglas G. Greene and published by Battered Silicon Dispatch Box.