Synthesized answer
The inclusion of a frontispiece by Ralph P. Coleman, explicitly referencing "page 71" [Passage 2], is presented as a deliberate publishing choice. The book's title, "The Breath of Scandal" [Passage 1, Passage 2], suggests a narrative that will involve sensational or scandalous events. The frontispiece, by drawing attention to a specific page, acts as a visual "hint" that directs the reader's focus and may foreshadow elements of the story.
This deliberate inclusion could serve a narrative purpose by building anticipation for the "breath of scandal." By indicating a specific page, the frontispiece might be encouraging the reader to look for a significant revelation or turning point that relates to the novel's title. However, the provided passages do not explicitly state the author's or publisher's specific reasoning for this choice, nor do they describe the content of page 71 or how it directly anticipates or foreshadows the "breath of scandal."
Synthesized from the book passages below. Chat with the book on Feynman for follow-up.
From the book
← Front matter The Breath of Scandal by Edwin Balmer Chapter 1 Chapter 2 → 3659909 The Breath of Scandal — Chapter 1 Edwin Balmer THE BREATH OF SCANDAL CHAPTER I G REGG MOWBRY, who had come home with nothing unusual on his mind, flung his new brown overcoat on a hook in the hall closet, tossed his hat after it, and was cheerfully whistling on his way to his room when the maid appeared from the rear hall and spoke to him shyly. "Why, good evening," he replied in his pleasant way, halting. "Mr. Whittaker home yet?" "No, sir; but he should be soon. He wanted early dinner to-night." "Mail or…
← The Breath of Scandal ( 1922 ) by Edwin Balmer Chapter 1 → A silent drama film of the same name based on this novel was made in 1924, but that film is now considered lost. Edwin Balmer 3659750 The Breath of Scandal 1922 The Breath of Scandal cover.jpg THE BREATH OF SCANDAL By Edwin Balmer Resurrection Rock The Breath of Scandal In collaboration with William MacHarg The Blind Man's Eyes The Indian Drum She snatched up a letter; held it. Frontispiece. See page 71. THE BREATH OF SCANDAL BY Edwin Balmer WITH FRONTISPIECE BY Ralph P. Coleman BOSTON Little, Brown, and Company 1922 …
← Chapter 15 The Breath of Scandal by Edwin Balmer Chapter 16 Chapter 17 → 3660710 The Breath of Scandal — Chapter 16 Edwin Balmer CHAPTER XVI M ARJORIE set out for Clearedge Street before nine the next morning and, determined to make this expedition wholly as a free agent, she left home on foot and took the elevated train cityward from Evanston. For five or six miles she gazed from the car window down upon pleasant, rectangular back yards with fresh, green grass and occasional spots of yellow crocus and with budding lilac and bridal wreath bushes set against the rear and sides of seven and…
← Chapter 1 The Breath of Scandal by Edwin Balmer Chapter 2 Chapter 3 → 3660035 The Breath of Scandal — Chapter 2 Edwin Balmer CHAPTER II T HEY went out together in Gregg's car, which was a new one, not fully paid for, but a good deal better than Billy's. It was a roadster with space for three on the wide seat, and consequently Gregg, while he drove, had plenty of room to sprawl comfortably, especially as Billy, who never let himself be lazy, sat erect on the right. They did not talk much about anything and not at all of Marjorie Hale or of Gregg's offer from Hartford. The March night was…
← Chapter 17 The Breath of Scandal by Edwin Balmer Chapter 18 Chapter 19 → 3660737 The Breath of Scandal — Chapter 18 Edwin Balmer CHAPTER XVIII M ARJORIE watched him bare his hand and then wonder what to do with it as he gazed down at her; for she made no correlative move. She not merely kept on her own gloves but she thrust her hands under her thighs and sat on them—a bit of taxi cab technique which evidently was new to Mr. Saltro and which puzzled him. "We're going to Sennen's Hall," he said, and plainly it was a commentary on her extraordinary procedure. "Yes," said Marjorie, blankly.…
More questions about this book
- How does the seemingly ordinary opening scene, where Gregg Mowbry arrives home, subtly lay the groundwork for a story titled "The Breath of Scandal"? Pinpoint specific details or interactions that hint at underlying tensions or future revelations, explaining their potential significance.
- Based on his initial actions and the maid's description, how would you characterize Gregg Mowbry? How might his established "pleasant way" and the "inconspicuous attentions which everywhere made life smooth" for him predispose him to, or complicate his response to, a scandalous situation?
- Analyze the maid Dora's report of Miss Hale's phone calls, especially the "particular message" to call back. Why is this information presented so early and with such emphasis? Explain how these seemingly minor details could act as the immediate spark for the "breath of scandal" alluded to in the title.
- The text provides external information about a "lost" silent film adaptation and the novel's public domain status. How might a reader's awareness of these historical and legal contexts influence their initial interpretation or expectations of the *text* itself, particularly regarding themes of scandal and perception?