THE REVOLT OF MAN [Illustration: 'The breaking of fetters, the sudden rush of light.' R.M. _Page_ 143.] [Illustration: _The Revolt of Man_ _Walter Besant_ _Collins' Clear-Type Press_ _London & Glasgow_] PREFACE It is now fourteen years since this book appeared anonymously. At first the story stood cold and shivering, disregarded by the world. Six weeks, however, after its production a highly appreciative review in one of the most important journals caused people to inquire after it. Since then it has gone through many editions. Every one who has written stories knows the unaccountable difference there is between the ease and delight of writing some and the difficulties and troubles which attend the writing of others. The _Revolt of Man_ was written during a certain summer holiday; day by day chapter by chapter, was read out, as it was finished, to two ladies. It is needless to say that their comments on the progress of events were often most valuable. Above all I may now acknowledge their advice as to the conclusion of the story. At first it ended in a real battle. 'Let the _Revolt of Man_ be bloodless,' said my advisers. It _is_ bloodless. The advice was excellent, and I followed it; and now, after fourteen years, I take this opportunity of thanking them. W. B. UNITED UNIVERSITY CLUB; _December 1896_. CONTENTS CHAP PAGE I. IN PARK LANE 11 II. THE EARL OF CHESTER 33 III. THE CHANCELLOR 48 IV. THE GREAT DUCHESS 62 V. IN THE SEASON 75 VI. WOMAN'S ENGLAND 92 VII. ON THE TRUMPINGTON ROAD 119 VIII. THE BISHOP 135 IX. THE GREAT CONSPIRACY 150 X. THE FIRST SPARK 160 XI. A MARRIAGE MARRED 179 XII. IN THE CAMP AT CHESTER TOWERS 191 XIII. THE NIGHT BEFORE THE BATTLE 215 XIV. THE ARMY OF AVENGERS 228 CONCLUSION 241 Collins' 7^{d.} net Modern Fiction (_In Great Britain Only_) WITH FRONTISPIECE AND DESIGNED TITLE PAGE EACH VOLUME HAS AN ATTRACTIVE COLOURED WRAPPER