The Morals of Marcus Ordeyne (novel)
The Morals of Marcus Ordeyne is a 1905 British novel written by William John Locke. Along with his next book, The Beloved Vagabond, it was a major success.
In the novel, a schoolmaster becomes the unexpected heir to a noble title and the associated wealth. He takes under his protection a female refugee from Syria.
Plot summary
A middle aged schoolmaster unexpectedly inherits money and a title. Walking through a park he finds a young girl weeping - she is a harem girl who has been abandoned by her would-be lover after escaping from Syria. Not knowing what else to do, Sir Marcus brings her to his home.
Adaptations
In 1907, the novel was adapted by Locke into a play. In 1915, the first silent version, [The Morals (film)|Morals of Marcus (1915 film)|The Morals of Marcus], was made with Marie Doro who starred in the 1907 play. In 1921, another silent film, Morals, was made. In 1935, Miles Mander directed a sound version of The Morals of Marcus, with Ian Hunter in the title role.