The Black Dwarf

The Black Dwarf is set in the Scottish Borders during the reign of Queen Anne (1702-14). At the centre of the story is Sir Edward Mauley, a dwarf who, having been betrayed in a love affair by his friend Mr Vere, retires in disgust to Mucklestene Muir. There he builds his own lodgings and becomes known to the local country people as a supernatural being who is regularly in contact with the devil and with spirits. His neighbours also believe that the dwarf has unlimited powers over their fortune and fate. In a feudal-style castle nearby lives a Mr Vere whose daughter is in love with a young man named Earnscliff. Earnscliff has a rival in Sir Frederick Langley. Having been concerned in some treasonable plots, Mr Vere flees to France. Earnscliff and Miss Vere are married and the Black Dwarf once more retires into seclusion after having bestowed a large fortune on the newly weds.