Terrible Temptation (Barnes & Noble Digital Library)

Richard Basset believes his cousin, Sir Charles, has stolen his inheritance. Reade describes insane asylums, the heartless upper class, and scandalously details a sexual relationship between Charles and Rhoda. A review in the London Times suggested to mothers that they should hide such a book from their daughters. Reade riposted with a long and impassioned letter defending his work.