Josiah Ferraby is a wealthy Northern ironmaster, active in civic improvements. It is feared bearing another child will kill his beloved wife Eliza. As he is periodically obliged to go to London, where he is struggling to make the contacts they need to expand and develop their interests, she suggests he takes a mistress there, away from local gossip. He is introduced to the noted courtesan, Madame Clorinda Cathcart…

Illustrated with 41 full page engravings after designs by Sahib. A translation of a novel whose exposition of human character is played out through the duel between the wife of the ironmaster and the wife of the heartless lover who deserted her. -- vendor's description.

Includes sect. "A survey of literature on the manufacture and properties of iron and steel, and kindred subjects" (title varies)