Written in 1870, but held back until 1879, this is the most melodramatic story Trollope wrote, and his frankest and most daring treatment of pre-marital sex Fred Neville, heir to an earldom, resolves to enjoy a year in Ireland with his regiment, and falls in love with a beautiful Irish girl with a mysterious background His family oppose the match, and he seduces his wild Irish girl The scene is thus set for a tragic outcome that far exceeds the adventures Fred had in mind