The Soul Stealer

"The Soul Stealer" by C. Ranger-Gull is a turn-of-the-century story that starts with sophisticated Mr. Eustace Charliewood enjoying London life, but quickly reveals hidden schemes under the surface of high society. Charliewood's fancy salon visit and a call from the important Sir William Gouldesbrough hint at vanity and trouble ahead. Their talks hint at worries about what society expects, personal dreams, and love problems. The book suggests Mr. Charliewood is deeply caught in Gouldesbrough's plots, showing loyalty mixed with a feeling of doing wrong. The early parts of the story tease a tale full of fights, social opinions, and bad results as characters wrestle with wishes and power.