"An amorous ghost pursues pursues an immoral bride, a devoted young beekeeper teaches a world-weary aristocrat how to be useful, a French writer seeks work on a station and a jaded bohemian paddles up a river in search of nature. Such are the heroes and heroines of the tales collected here. These are popular stories - gothic mysteries, satiric comedies and romantic adventures - written by women to amuse and instruct their nineteenth century readers. ..."--Back cover.