The Treasure of Heaven: A Romance of Riches

Readers of Jeffrey Farnol would find many similarities in Marie Corelli's novel 'The Treasure of Heaven' they both have a similar style of writing. The story outlines the life of David Helmsley one of the richest men in the world who in his twilight years is very cynical about women. Following a failed marriage owing to his wife's infidelity he believes he has much to be cynical about. The story opens when David a seventy year old is talking to his friend and Solicitor about his life and expectations. He has no family to which to leave his money, he tells his friend that he has befriended a sweet young girl called Lucy but he does not wish to leave his money to her because she is female, rather silly and also he believes it will destroy her innocence to inherit his money. Alas shortly after the blinkers are lifted from his eyes when he finds that sweet young innocent Lucy would be quite prepared to marry him on the spot even though he is old enough to be her grandfather and all because he is wealthy. Disillusioned he walks away from his life and tramps around the byways of England. There after falling ill he is befriended by a lovely middle aged spinster called Mary who takes him in and looks after him. David continues his deception that he is a lonely poor old man, but that makes no difference to those that come to know him in his new incarnation. He also meets an ex journalist Angus struggling to make ends meet who also meets Mary and the two fall in love and agree to marry. David though falls gravely ill and dies leaving all his money to Mary. Who when she finds out how she has been deceived would prefer to give all the money away. Angus likewise feels the same and believes he is no longer in a position to marry Mary. Money it seems is a curse as well as a blessing.