The Mystery of Mary

by Grace Livingston Hill

"The Mystery of Mary" by Grace Livingston Hill is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story begins with a suspenseful encounter between the protagonist, Tryon Dunham, and a mysterious young woman named Mary, who appears lost and frightened in a city train station. As their paths cross, Dunham feels a strong urge to help Mary, who seems to be escaping from an undisclosed danger, setting the stage for a tale of intrigue, identity, and moral dilemmas. The opening portion of the novel introduces a gripping and tense scenario where Tryon Dunham, having just arrived late at a train station, encounters Mary, a beautiful woman in distress, who asks him to escort her out of fear of being followed. As they work together to navigate the perilous environment, a sense of mutual trust develops between them. It becomes clear that Mary is hiding a troubling secret, and Dunham's protective instincts compel him to take her to dinner with his friends, despite the risks involved. The tension builds as Dunham learns Mary has no money or a place to go, and he grapples with the implications of his growing attachment to her as they face external threats and the expectations of society. This intriguing setup hints at both a romance and a mystery that will unfold as the narrative progresses.