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Louisa May Alcott’s little-known novella is an ingenious study of deception, betrayal, and the ruthless power of a woman scorned. When demure Scottish governess Jean Muir arrives at a wealthy household, the family couldn’t be more thrilled with their young new resident and find themselves beguiled by her grace and beauty. But this surrender to her “innocent’ charms soon sets the men quarreling for her attention, with the women beside themselves with jealousy. Delighted with her success, Miss Muir sets her sights on the highest prize—but she has only three days to claim victory before the truth, behind her mask, will be exposed. American novelist Louisa May Alcott is best remembered for the perennially popular Little Women.

Alcott published her 1866 novel under the pseudonym A.M. Barnard. A departure from her usual fare, this offers a deceitful governess's attempts to ruin a family. Chekhov's 1895 volume follows a disastrous marriage that triumphs over time. Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.