The world's great snare (E. Phillips Oppenheim)

A breathtaking tale of intrigue, romance, and revenge from one of the twentieth century’s most prolific and popular authors of suspense. „The Wicked Marquis” is a story of privilege and the attempt to keep what has been lost. Marquis will go to any length to get enough money to enjoy his title, including forcing one of his daughters to marry an unsuitable candidate with money. Although this novel was published in 1919, its setting and subject is more consistent with a pre-war period. The morality of the Marquis, and his attitude towards other people, is clearly a product of the 19th century. The „droit du seigneur” is even invoked several times in the story. There is an interesting interplay among the characters regarding the evolution of morals, the rights of women, the effect of rigid moralism, and religious inflexibility.