The Way of an Eagle
Ethel May Dell
Adventure Romance
Published 1911
Synopsis
The Way of an Eagle is a passionate romance that begins amid the conflict of British India in the early 20th century, where Muriel, the delicate daughter of an army general, is rescued during a siege, by the impetuous and fiercely devoted Lieutenant Nick Ratcliffe. Although initially unsettled by Nick’s bold and almost feral intensity, Muriel is forced to confront her own growing attraction for him after their harrowing escape across mountainous terrain. As the story shifts between that exotic colonial setting and the comparatively orderly world of Edwardian England, Muriel wrestles with her emotions as she is pushed towards a more conventional suitor. Despite the pressures to find a more socially acceptable match, she finds herself longing for Nick, whose eagle-like spirit represents freedom, passion, and personal courage.
Novel Excerpt
He still held her hand closely in his while he poured out his rapid explanation, and his eyebrows worked up and down so swiftly that Muriel was fascinated by them. His eyes baffled her completely. They were like a glancing flame. She listened to his proposal with more of bewilderment than consternation. It took her breath away without exactly frightening her. The steady grasp of his hand and the exceedingly practical tones of his voice kept her from unreasoning panic; but she was too greatly astounded to respond very promptly.
“Tell me what you think about it,” he said gently.
But she was utterly at a loss to describe her feelings. She shook her head and was silent.
After a little he went on, still quickly, but with less impetuosity. “It isn’t just a sudden fancy of mine—this. Don’t think it. There’s nothing capricious about me. Your father knew about it. And because he knew, he put you in my care. It was his sole reason for trusting you to me. I had his full approval.”
He paused, for her fingers had closed suddenly within his own. She was looking at him no longer. Her memory had flashed back to that last terrible night of her father’s life. Again she heard him telling her of the one man to whom he had entrusted her, who would make it his sole business to save her, who would protect her life with his own, heard his speculative question as to whether she knew whom he meant, recalled her own quick reply, and his answer—and his answer.