Passing of the Third Floor Back

By the author of "Three Men in a Boat," "Three Men on the Bummel," "Diary of a Pilgrimage," "Idle Thoughts of an Idle Fellow," "Stage-Land," "Paul Kelver," etc. First published 1907.

Three fantasies, a serious emotional piece, and two light amusing tales with a moral. "Passing of the Third Floor Back" and "The Soul of Nicholas Snyders" were adapted as plays.

"Passing of the Third Floor Back": an angelic visitor brings out the best in the disagreeable inhabitants of a boarding-house.

"The Philosopher's Joke": three middle-aged couples agree to a "time displacement" in hopes of attaining happier lives.

"The Soul of Nicholas Snyders": a cold-hearted miserly old man exchanges souls with a poor and struggling but happy young man.

"The Love of Ulrich Nebendahl": he loved his small village and its people above all else.

"Mrs. Korner Sins Her Mercies"; "The Cost of Kindness": Two different women discover that their well-meant beliefs can have undesireable results.