This collection, originally published in 1893, consists of five of Henry James's short stories: "The Real Thing," a tale of an artist and his models, a husband and wife in impoverished conditions willing to do anything to earn their keep. This story, often read as a parable, plays with the reality-illusion dichotomy that fascinated James, especially in the later stages of his career; "Sir Dominick Ferrand," in which struggling author Peter Baron's discovery of the secret letters of Dominick Ferrand changes his life; "Nona Vincent" -- playwright Allan Wayworth struggles to write something meaningful for the popular stage; and "Greville Fane," in which the narrator is called upon to interview a dying author, known for her sensational and passionate novels. Also included is "The Chaperon."