The Slave of the Lamp

"The Slave of the Lamp" by Henry Seton Merriman is a narrative set in both Paris and London that observes the interconnected lives and struggles of its characters. The story opens in Paris with a secretive meeting that suggests political and social disturbance, then shifts to London where we meet Christian Vellacott, burdened by family duties but also full of ambition. The narrative explores his world, especially his interactions with the Carew family, highlighting the tensions raised by Hilda Carew’s engagement and the conflicts between personal desires and family expectations.