Synopsis
We begin with Gregory, our hero, telling an unnamed character that one of the strangest things that had ever happened to him, had happened at Tallis Court, the home of his wife's parents.
Gregory, an artist, was engaged to Nina, the daughter of Sir and Lady Lennox; the owners of Tallis Court. He had gone there to spend a week with Nina, when her brother announced that he had invited someone outside of the "small and unelastic" visiting list. His mother was uncertain about this admission from Gerald, but the new visitor, a man named Strange was soon admitted into the house and announced. Strange spent longer looking at Nina and Gregory than the others present.
Gregory was attempting to keep Ninas interest by giving her an update about the house they were building for their married life, and a chest with a secret lock. However, Strange had not only captivated those he was overtly speaking to, but also Nina who Gregory was sure he was trying to gain the attention of. After Strange's story about his time in Greece, everyone in attendance was enamoured, enthralled, and enraptured by this newcomer.
Not only was Strange a social chameleon, becoming a sportsman, a scholar, an eternal child in want of mothering, or a practial joker; he was a multi-talented muscian, with the whole party hypnotised and motionless at every note he played.
The only thing Strange won't do is attend the shoot. Even when he sees those partaking on their return, he displays no look of recognition and changes his path to avoid them. The only problem is, he is taken with Nina. It seems that Nina has no power or choice in this, enthralled by Strange as she is. Gregory struggles to fight for her, as he too, is taken by the mystique of Strange.
Gregory watches Strange and Nina play tennis, equating it to making love. He watches as they become closer. Lady Lennox asks her son to invite Strange to stay longer than a week as "A week is so soon over".
After tennis, Strange asks Gregory if Miss Nina is his fiancee, displaying an offensive grin. As Gregory nods, Strange retorts "I shouldn't have guessed it".
The night-time scene, with Strange so beautifully playing Pan's pipes, triggers the end of this dream-like week. Gregory sees, in the moonlight, that Strange has pointed ears - generally hidden by his curly hair. A cold thrill of horror creeps over him, understanding how Strange could charm a soul. Nina, wearing a white silk wrap, goes to join Strange and dances; gliding through the garden.
Gregory joins, telling Nina to return to her bedroom. But this command alone isn't why she returns, Strange has released her. Gregory pleads with Strange to cease playing.
Strange replies with "You've spoilt it, it's no fun". Strange is frustrated that Gregory didn't respond with violence. He becomes saddened that Gregory has seen that he has brought Gregory "something", this something is what others have never seen.
Strange is gone the next morning. All, including Gregory, are saddened. Nina wonders if he came at all, or if it was all just a dream. The final sentence reveals that it was true as Pan's pipes are heard in the distance.
Review
This is a story that is so different to any I'd read in the past. It was interesting to read, but sadly didn't have much of an effect. Whether Strange was real or not, in the end, didn't seem to matter. There are always people in life that take prime importance, for a short time, in the life of our beloved. However, these people, however charming, are often found to be hollow - emotional tourists - who either vanish or become less than nothing in time.
Unfortunately, in this one, I felt that Crompton didn't capture my interest. This creature (Pan himself?) wanted to cause trouble, but didn't succeed. Gregory couldn't muster the required strength to fight for his love, but somehow ended up married to her anyway. What was it that I missed? Why did Strange relent so easily; perhaps without a fight there was no point? Perhaps I need to read this story again after I've had time to digest it.
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