Summary

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The academic year at the College of St. John and the Holy Ghost, affectionately known as "Spook," begins under a cloud of complexity. The Reverend Simon Darcourt and Professors Clement Hollier and Urquhart McVarish are tasked with managing the intricate bequest of Francis Cornish, a distinguished art collector. The stakes are high as various university factions, institutions, and scholars vie for interests in the collection, with Arthur Cornish, Francis's nephew and executor, at the helm of these sensitive proceedings.

The Rabelais Manuscripts

An extraordinary element of Francis’s collection is a series of manuscripts by François Rabelais, the discovery of which promises to propel the careers of those involved. Professor Hollier, having had a fleeting glimpse of these documents, is convinced they are crucial for his own research, as well as for his star student, Maria Theotoky, whose dissertation he aims to anchor with this "special" material. Unfortunately, the Rabelais manuscripts are missing. A note found by Darcourt among Francis’s papers indicates they were lent to McVarish, but upon confronting him, McVarish denies any knowledge of their whereabouts, leaving Darcourt troubled, Hollier infuriated, and Maria bewildered.

Maria's Dilemma

Maria is further troubled by Hollier’s cool demeanor since the summer. Their shared academic passions had culminated in an affair, but now she wonders about the status of their relationship. Conflicted about her feelings and uncertain about rekindling Hollier’s interest, Maria is faced with the challenge of navigating their professional and personal bond.

The Intrusion of John Parlabane

Enter John Parlabane, a disruptive former "Spook" student who hopes to capitalize on his past connections with Hollier and Darcourt. Parlabane’s presence is an irritant, especially for Maria, as he commandeers her workspace and intrudes into her professional and personal life with his abrasive yet brilliant demeanor. Despite his meddlesome nature, Parlabane inadvertently helps Maria gain a clearer understanding of herself, ultimately earning a spot on her list of "rebel angels," along with Darcourt and Hollier, as individuals who impart wisdom, albeit without divine endorsement.

Hollier's Quest for Knowledge

Hollier, driven by his academic pursuits, secures Maria’s assistance to meet her mother, Madame Laoutaro, a woman steeped in gypsy traditions. Madame Laoutaro shares with Hollier the secret of the bomari, an ancient violin restoration technique involving horse dung, which fascinates Hollier and enriches his research on folk beliefs. Sensing a worthwhile match for her daughter, Madame Laoutaro suggests that jealousy might reignite Hollier's interest in Maria.

A Christmas Gathering

Maria enlists Darcourt as a potential rival to attend a Christmas celebration, where Hollier is also present. Darcourt, who has developed a fondness for Maria, feels honored by the invitation. During the festive gathering, orchestrated by Madame Laoutaro, the participants indulge in revelry. Darcourt appears to gain more encouragement than Hollier, highlighting the complex dynamics at play.

Maria's Inner Conflict

The Christmas feast, with Maria cast as a gypsy serving girl, forces her to confront the internal struggle between her aspirations and her roots—a struggle intensified by Parlabane’s constant interference. Meanwhile, Parlabane becomes consumed with finding an audience for his philosophical novel, which is perceived by those, including Maria, who have read it as a chaotic and self-serving narrative.

Spring’s Unraveling

The spring semester becomes increasingly fraught with tension, culminating in shocking violence. In a dramatic turn, Parlabane murders McVarish and reveals in a posthumous letter that he had been manipulated by McVarish’s blackmail demands, due to the latter's peculiar proclivities. This act of violence liberates the hidden Rabelais manuscripts, thus repaying Maria and Hollier for past kindnesses. Parlabane’s suicide is part of his grandiose plan to ensure the success of his novel posthumously, using scandal...

(This entire section contains 727 words.)

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to reclaim his voice and legacy.

Resolution and New Beginnings

Chaos ensues within the university as a result of these events, but it also clears the way for productive change. Darcourt, however, delays handing over the manuscripts to Hollier. Since these were not allocated to any institution, Arthur Cornish, as the heir, must decide their fate. Arthur, who has successfully won Maria’s affection, offers her a partnership characterized by both intimacy and devotion, unmatched by the other "rebel angels." Their marriage, officiated by Darcourt, closes the narrative, with Darcourt reassuring Hollier that Maria will continue to be part of their scholarly endeavors, as Arthur is likely to ensure the Rabelais manuscripts remain within reach.

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