One of Hill's calamity-filled English dynasty tales--this one spanning the 19th and 20th centuries, and centering on a family curse that sizzles through three generations. Felix Sutbury, second Viscount Harmhill, and his younger half-brother Guy were born enemies--and so at their father's death, Guy cons Felix into deeding him an apparently useless piece of land (a railroad gold-mine), and the promise that Felix will never marry, thereby assuring the title to Guy's offspring. But oh-oh! Felix learns that Guy is the by-blow of the family lawyer, and Guy's revenge is far-reaching. Meanwhile, Felix, concerned for the doomed, timid wife of Guy, tenders her tree love; a child is born, young Kate, raised by Felix; but it is the child Kate who is responsible for the brain damage of Felix's first child by his wife Valentine. Kate is banished; there are troubles--fire, murder, crime, etc.--but at last all seems well when the now. crippled Felix's second son Henry takes over Harmhill. Henry will marry the beautiful Sabrina, Guy's ward and granddaughter, fathered by Guy's alcoholic son and a mysterious ""Spanish"" lady. But Guy, it will turn out, has plotted the ultimate (although biologically impossible) revenge. A rather hurried tale, with events and people flashing by too fast for reader sympathy (except for poor Kate). But Hill followers should take note.