The Return of Alfred

Herbert George Jenkins (1876 - 1923)

The hero of the book is at a loose end, weary and bored of his old life after returning from the Great War. After an argument with his uncle and a railway strike he finds himself lost in the county of Norfolk at ten o'clock one night. When he seeks shelter in a country home, the butler immediately recognizes him as "Mr. Alfred", the missing son of the house. From that point onwards, our hero, who gives his name as "James Smith", finds himself in for an exciting time.

Not only does he inherit the friends of "Mr. Alfred", but also the odium of his misdoings. Protestations are useless: the villagers are convinced he is the prodigal son. Of course, he could just leave the village - but then, had he not been hoping for something exciting to happen - and more importantly, what about Marjorie, the girl at the window?

Originally published anonymously, this romantic comedy was just signed "by the author of "Patricia Brent, Spinster" (a book that was also published anonymously) with a dedication: "To those in many countries who have generously assumed responsibility for the authorship of Patricia Brent, Spinster - this book is dedicated by the author".

Genre(s): Humorous Fiction, Romance

Language: English

Section Chapter Reader Time
Play 01 01 - The Girl at the Window Anna Simon
00:32:23
Play 02 02 - A Question of Identity Anna Simon
00:25:08
Play 03 03 - What the Butler Told Anna Simon
00:18:14
Play 04 04 - The Vicar Decides to Act Anna Simon
00:22:11
Play 05 05 - Little Bilstead Receives a Shock Anna Simon
00:23:41
Play 06 06 - The Strangeness of Marjorie Anna Simon
00:31:24
Play 07 07 - Little Bilstead Sits in Judgment Anna Simon
00:24:24
Play 08 08 - Eric Stannard Promises Support Anna Simon
00:18:26
Play 09 09 - Miss Lipscombe Decides on Neutrality Anna Simon
00:15:20
Play 10 10 - Smith Acquires Reach-me-downs Anna Simon
00:16:54
Play 11 11 - Mr. Tassell is Surprised Anna Simon
00:19:18
Play 12 12 - Little Bilstead Goes to Church Anna Simon
00:19:30
Play 13 13 - Nero in Disgrace Anna Simon
00:18:41
Play 14 14 - Smith becomes a Popular Hero Anna Simon
00:46:34
Play 15 15 - A Village divided against Itself Anna Simon
00:24:57
Play 16 16 - P.C. Postle assumes his uniform Anna Simon
00:11:43
Play 17 17 - Mr Gadgett pays a call Anna Simon
00:30:14
Play 18 18 - Eric plays a part Anna Simon
00:22:31
Play 19 19 - Sir John Hildreth inserts an Advertisement Anna Simon
00:16:56
Play 20 20 - Little Bilstead aches with Drama Anna Simon
00:29:52
Play 21 21 - Marjorie hears the News Anna Simon
00:15:35
Play 22 22 - The Unmasking of Smith Anna Simon
00:17:31
Play 23 23 - Mr Gadgett tells the Truth Anna Simon
00:17:07
Play 24 24 - Eric pronounces it spif Anna Simon
00:22:40