The Mansion

The Mansion is a novel written by Henry Van Dyke, first published in 1911. The story is set in the fictional town of Old Chester, where John Weightman, a wealthy businessman, has just passed away. His will stipulates that his mansion, which is the largest and most impressive house in town, be turned into a home for the elderly. This decision is met with resistance from the townspeople, who feel that the mansion should be preserved as a symbol of John Weightman's wealth and success.The novel follows the lives of several characters in Old Chester as they navigate the changes brought about by John Weightman's death and the transformation of his mansion. There is Dr. Lavendar, a wise and compassionate pastor who serves as a mediator between the townspeople and the new residents of the mansion. There is also Jean Douglas, a young woman who has been hired to manage the home for the elderly, and who becomes romantically involved with Dr. Lavendar's nephew.As the story unfolds, the characters confront issues of class, social responsibility, and the meaning of wealth and success. The novel ultimately celebrates the power of community and the importance of caring for others, even in the face of resistance and change. The Mansion is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with readers today.But to human persons the sensation of being waited for is not always agreeable. Sometimes, especially with the young, it produces a vague restlessness, a dumb resentment, which is increased by the fact that one can hardly explain or justify it. Of this John Weightman was not conscious. It lay beyond his horizon. He did not take it into account in the plan of life which he made for himself and for his family as the sharers and inheritors of his success.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.