Despite Rudolph's efforts to pursue her, Maria maintains her independence. Along the novel, Maria overcomes a number of problems and barriers, but she eventually succeeds in her efforts, transforming Cobhurst into a prosperous property.

When a griffin shows great fondness for the sculpture of himself above the great door of the church, and equal admiration for the Minor Canon, the townspeople fear that the terrifying creature will live among them forever.

This volume collects three rare tales by Frank R. Stockton: "A Thing That Glistened," "The Reversible Landscape," and "Plain Fishing."