Publisher's Synopsis
Amid the fading grandeur of a country estate, Clara lives in the care of Mr Crowe, a man of many mysterious gifts. Mr Crowe was once a man of learning and means. Now, he devotes himself to earthly pleasures. But when Mr Crowe commits a crime of passion, he attracts the attention of Dr Chastern, the figurehead of a secret society to which Crowe belongs. When Chastern comes to call him to account, his sinister attention is diverted to Clara. For Clara possesses gifts of her own.