The Mystery of Evelin Delorme E-Book

Albert Bigelow Paine

• Herausgeber: Booksell-Verlag
• Kategorie: Krimi
• Sprache: Englisch
• Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2019

Beschreibung

In "The Mystery of Evelin Delorme," Albert Bigelow Paine employs a masterful blend of gothic elements and psychological depth to weave a tale of intrigue and moral quandary. Set against an atmospheric backdrop that mirrors the protagonist's inner turmoil, the narrative explores themes of identity, secrecy, and the haunting repercussions of the past. Paine'Äôs adept storytelling and rich descriptive style draw readers into a world where the lines between reality and imagination blur, reflecting the literary context of early 20th-century American fiction, where authors grappled with evolving notions of self and society. Albert Bigelow Paine, a celebrated author and biographer, was deeply influenced by his relationships with prominent literary figures, including Mark Twain. This intimate literary environment likely shaped Paine's fascination with human complexity and the shadows of the human psyche. His broader experiences as a journalist and a storyteller lend a unique authenticity to "The Mystery of Evelin Delorme," enhancing its intriguing plot with moments of keen observation and social critique. Recommended for readers who relish psychological thrillers enriched with atmospheric storytelling, Paine's novel stands as a compelling exploration of the human condition. Engage with the unsettling mysteries of Evelin Delorme, and allow yourself to be drawn into a narrative that is as thought-provoking as it is suspenseful.

Leseprobe

Albert Bigelow Paine

The Mystery of Evelin Delorme

A Hypnotic Story

Published by Good Press, 2022

[email protected]

EAN 4064066159641

Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION.

EXTRACT FROM THE UNPUBLISHED MEMOIRS OF DR. FLINT.

THE MYSTERY

OF

EVELIN DELORME.

PROLOGUE.

I.

II.

III.

IV.

V.

VI.

VII.

VIII.

INTRODUCTION.

Table of Contents

While engaged in writing the story of Evelin Delorme it was my good fortune to make the acquaintance of Dr. Herbert L. Flint, the well-known hypnotist briefly referred to in chapter three. The science of Hypnotism being a theme of absorbing interest to me, I eagerly availed myself of the opportunity thus offered for exhaustive investigation of the subject, and was accorded frequent and prolonged interviews with Dr. Flint. During one of these I reviewed to him briefly the outline of my story and the strange mystery of Evelin Delorme which had given rise to the plot. I saw at once that he was unusually moved and interested. At my conclusion he arose hastily and left the room, returning a moment later with a quantity of papers which proved to be an unpublished memoir which he was then preparing. From this he hurriedly separated several sheets and placed them in my hand, remarking with suppressed feeling, "Here is the missing link in your narrative."

He has allowed me to publish it here in his own words.

EXTRACT FROM THE UNPUBLISHED MEMOIRS OF DR. FLINT.

Table of Contents

"The following is a brief account of a very curious case of hypnotic suggestion, and one which, because of the mystery surrounding its final outcome, has caused me no little anxiety.

"On the 9th of July, 1878, there came to my office in St. Louis a strikingly beautiful young woman of evident wealth and aristocratic breeding, who gave her name as Eva Delorme. Her dress indicated recent bereavement, and her face impressed me as being that of one whom death had deprived of all those near and beloved. She stated her errand at once, and briefly. She had been pursuing the study of Mesmeric Sciences, and, believing herself a good hypnotic subject, desired that I make a trial with that end in view. A simple test convinced me that she was susceptible to hypnotic suggestion, and further experiment revealed to me that she was one of the most perfect subjects I have ever known. She called again the day following and asked me if it were possible, through the aid of hypnotism, to give to her a double personality; adding that she desired to become for a few hours a heartless, haughty, gay woman of the world—precisely opposite, in fact, to what she really appeared. Believing that she wished to forget her sorrow for a time, I assured her that I thought this might be accomplished and that it would probably obliterate all knowledge of a previous existence for the time being. To this she eagerly consented, and after some further conversation concerning the details I asked her what name she desired to assume in her new character. She replied that her full name was Evelin March Delorme, of which, in her assumed personality, she would retain the first two. She likewise gave me a memorandum of a street and number to which she was to be directed; this being, doubtless, one of several of her dwelling properties, for she impressed me always as a person of abundant wealth. With a few passes I then placed her under the hypnotic influence, and while in this state I impressed upon her earnestly the fact that she would awaken a haughty and heartless woman of the world, dashing and gay, free from past regrets and future misgivings, as she had told me to do. That her name would be Evelin March; and I repeated to her the street and number, and some minor details which she had given to me. That she would retain this personality for twelve hours. This I repeated to her several times, then bade her awaken.

"The change in her was complete and startling. Her whole expression—even her very features—appeared altered. Accustomed as I am to such things I could not avoid feeling somewhat nervous at this wonderful transformation. In her new character she was as beautiful and imperious as a queen, with a supercilious, almost coarse, expression of countenance. She seemed much mortified at the somber simpleness of her dress, and I judge went immediately to make changes.

"I did not see her again until a week later, when she came to my office, apparently restored to her true character. She had a vague semi-recollection of what had been her experience in the other state and desired a second trial, to which I somewhat reluctantly consented, though I must confess I was by this time deeply interested in the case.

"These transformations were frequently repeated, during the next few months; then her visits ceased and I did not see her until a year later, when I was astounded one day to meet her riding in Forest Park in her assumed character, evidently having taken on the condition unaided, either unconsciously or of her own volition.

"I never saw her again, and as I had mislaid the memorandum of her address and the number had slipped my memory, I lost trace of her entirely. I have always felt a great and somewhat guilty curiosity as to the final result of this strange experiment."