Returning to Florence after years of military service a man finds himself haunted by memories of a thwarted love affairthat took place on the banks of the Arno during his youth On inquiring after the erstwhile object of his affections he encounters a young man in amorous pursuit of her daughterEager to spare his young friend the sorrow that has marred his own life the man finds himself deliberating the morality of recounting his own story This heartbreaking tale touches on themes that were to dominate Henry Jamess later fiction including the suggestibility of youth and the dubious morality of influence With characteristic psychological insight and a youthful fluency of expression even in his early work James demonstrates himself a master ofthe art of fiction.
