Zuleika Dobson Or, An Oxford Love Story

Zuleika Dobson is the granddaughter of the Warden of Judas College, Oxford. She is also a famed prestidigitator, with a somewhat lively reputation and questionable skill However, she is one thing absolutely and without question: a beauty. Youths are reputed to have died for love of her. When she arrives in Oxford on a visit to her grandfather, the many young men of the colleges sit up and take notice. Something about her inspires their unthinking devotion. But these slaves bore Zuleika; she needs someone to love whom she can respect. As she and her grandfather drive to Judas, the young, handsome, lordly and cool-tempered Duke of Dorset rides by their carriage and pays her no attention whatever. Zuleika is thrilled and delighted by his indifference - has she finally found her man? But it is not to be. Later, in a private t te- -t te, Dorset reveals that he too is overwhelmed. In bitter disappointment, her hopes dashed, Zuleika rejects him. He is so overcome that he vows to kill himself