Wilkie Collins Series Seven: No Name (Electronic book text)

An early didactic novel, it addresses the theme of illegitimacy. In spite of its popular success many of the critics were scathing about the topic and disapproved of the heroine's near-criminal career. H. L. Mansel of The Quarterly Review wrote, 'We have often heard an illegal connexion and its result euphemistically designated a 'misfortune;' but this is the first time as far as we are aware in which a lawful marriage has been denominated an "accident."' The novel features one of Collins's most dynamic heroines, and one of his most engaging rogues, Captain Wragge. The Vanstone house at Combe Raven was one of contentment and ease. In it were Andrew Vanstone and his wife, their two lovely and charming daughters-Norah and Magdalen-and a wise, kindly nurse and governess, Miss Garth. It was a household in which cook and servants enjoyed immunity from scolding, pets were allowed to range freely, and the affairs of the house ran as smoothly as an old but trustworthy clock.