Classics Out Loud

The Time Traveller has created a model of a time machine and invites his guests to examine it; in front of everyone, a lever is pressed and the machine vanishes. He explains that it has travelled into the future or the past and that he intends to travel in a larger machine soon. The guests are sceptical, but the Time Traveller leads them to his laboratory where indeed, there is a larger version of the machine. He expresses his serious intent to explore time and the guests are unsure how to take him.

Welcome to H.G. Wells' classic time-travelling adventure tale. Written in 1895, and Wells' first full-length work, it is widely credited with introducing the idea of time travel, but is also fascinating due to its Victorian England view point, and Wells' own political and social opinions of the time.

This introductory chapter follows a group of friends discussing the possibility of time travel and the concept of a fourth dimension with a gentleman we shall refer to simply as the Time Traveller, an apparent scientist, in Richmond, Surrey. 
 
He argues that time is a dimension like any other and could be navigated if a machine could be created. The others debate his theory and the implications of visiting the past or the future. The chapter ends with the Time Traveller leaving the group to go to his laboratory to demonstrate his theory, while the others speculate as to what they might see.

The concluding episode of The Blue Castle, Valancy and Barney take one last look at The Blue Castle before embarking on their overseas adventures. "But she knew perfectly well that no spot or place or home in the world could ever possess the sorcery of her Blue Castle."

We have been pleased to present this new audio recording of L.M. Montgomery's beautiful work.

In this extract from a letter, Olive Stirling comments on her cousin's adventures, which have ended up much to Valancy's advantage.  Of course, the family is now making a fuss over Valancy as she settles into her new life.

In this chapter of The Blue Castle, Barney and Valancy discuss their future together. Valancy is hesitant in accepting Barney's proposal as she is not sure if she is fit for his lifestyle. Barney reassures her that she will not have to live the life of a society woman, but rather they will have a little house in the countryside near Montreal, and spend their summers at Mistawis. He also promises to show her the beauty of the world.

Barney arrives to the brick house on Elm Street in a dreadful old car. Uncle Benjamin had predicted his arrival, and welcomed him into the parlour, where Valancy had been staying. Valancy was reluctant to see him, and believed he had only married her out of pity. When Barney told his story, she found out his childhood torment, due to his father's business, and his his fiancé had not in fact loved him at all.  Will it be enough for Valancy to believe that Barney really does love her after all?

Valancy is in anguish as she looks at her old room and is reminded of her old life and the changes that have come to her. She longs for her time spent at the Blue Castle with Barney, recalling their many moments together and the beauty of the island. At the same time however, she hates and envies Ethel Traverse, the woman Barney still loves, who will ultimately be the one to share his life. Valancy is overcome with pain and longing as she wonders what Barney is feeling. She is desperate for the night to end and morning to come, yet she knows nothing will change and she will be stuck in her old life with her new memories.

Valancy returns to her home in Elm Street, where her mother, Uncle Benjamin and Cousin Stickles are waiting for her. After her mother's icy welcome, Valancy reveals that she has been married to Dr Redfern's son, who is now revealed to be a millionaire. She feels he has been tricked into the marriage by a false diagnosis of her health. Uncle Benjamin takes charge of the situation, assuring Valancy's family to trust him and leave the situation to him. He indicates that Valancy's husband may not want to let her go, and that it is up to them to forgive her. Mrs. Frederick agrees, and the family is left to contemplate the incredible turn of events.

Valancy has written a note to her husband Barney and leaves the Blue Castle, reflecting on all the experiences she had there. She tried to reason with him and expressed her gratitude for his kindness. She also left a postscript, urging him to go back to his father who was lonely and missing him. Her final thought on leaving the Blue Castle was regretfully remembering the sound of the wind crying over Mistawis at night.

Valancy is walking through the back streets of a village, trying to avoid being seen due to her confusion and distress. She eventually meets Dr. Redfern, the father of her husband Barney, who is surprised to find out that his son is married. She takes him to  their home, and tells her the story of Barney's past. He reveals that Barney had left home eleven years prior due to a quarrel with a girl named Ethel Traverse and had been travelling the world. Valancy is shocked and overwhelmed by this revelation and feels a deep sense of dread for her future.