White woman

Author: (English) Wilkie Collins
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2000-09-01
Features: This book tells the story of a young artist, Walter, who accepts a position as a family tutor in the Fairlie household. On a moonlit night, he encounters a white-clad woman who has escaped from a lunatic asylum. Walter has two students: one is Laura, the daughter of the master's older brother, Philip, and the other is Marian, Laura's half-sister. Marian confirms that the white-clad woman is Anne Catherick. Walter falls in love with Laura, but before her father's death, he has promised her to Percival Glyde, the baron. Suddenly, the white-clad woman appears and tries to prevent Glyde from marrying Laura, but fails. Walter leaves in sorrow. After the marriage, Glyde reveals his true nature, forcing Laura to give up full control of her property. At this point, the white-clad woman reappears to expose Glyde's fatal secret, but she escapes after being discovered by Laura's uncle, the Earl of Foscari. The Earl plots with Glyde to seize Laura's wealth. They stage a fake death for Laura and bury the frightened Anne instead, while drugging Laura and sending her to the lunatic asylum, claiming that Anne was the one who escaped. Marian rescues Laura from the asylum, but Laura's lost memory leaves her unable to prove her identity, putting her in a difficult situation. Meanwhile, Walter returns to the country, determined to clear Laura's name. After a grueling investigation, he finally uncovers the truth and restores Laura's legitimate heir status. Percival dies in a fire, and Foscari is assassinated. Walter and Laura eventually marry.