03 - Tongues of Conscience by Robert Smythe Hichens

Tongues of Conscience (1898) offers a captivating collection of five compelling stories that explore the profound repercussions of seemingly innocent yet selfish actions. Robert Hichens masterfully paints vivid landscapes, transporting readers from the tumultuous, violent seas to tranquil, idyllic countrysides where ‚¶the violets seemed to sing in odours‚¶‚ and through the blinding white of a blizzard. In Sea Change,‚ an artist burdened by a dark secret confides in a priest, revealing his guilt over a tragic event. William Foster‚ showcases how an author‚s work ignites a shocking transformation in his wife‚s religious fervor. The Cry of the Child‚ follows a gifted yet self-absorbed doctor haunted by the cries of his deceased baby, who ultimately discovers redemption through another‚s selfless sacrifice. How Love Came to Professor Guildea‚ presents a scientist grappling with the unexpected nature of love, while The Lady and the Beggar‚ tells the story of a wealthy woman whose will teaches her an invaluable lesson about generosity. Each tale delves deep into themes of guilt, redemption, and the complex nature of human emotions. - Summary by LisaR