Payment Deferred

C. S. Forester

Summary

William Marble is a spendthrift banker living in suburban London with his wife and children. He's hard up for money, as his wife spends indiscriminately, he has a growing interest in whiskey, and rent will soon be due. But one night, a visitor calls: James Medland, William's nephew from Australia, is visiting to inform them of a death in the family. Medland is very wealthy, and very alone here at the other end of the world—and Marble, desperate for cash, quickly decides that he must do the unthinkable to get his hands on Medland's bulging wallet. Payment Deferred is an unusual crime novel in the sense that the murder happens at the outset, and there's no mystery as to who did it or why. Rather, taking cues from " The Telltale Heart ", the novel focuses on the state of mind of a guilty criminal. Marble's increasingly elaborate attempts to keep his crime secret from both his family and the authorities become a study of the damage that guilt can do to a person's psyche. Marble soon finds himself wealthy beyond necessity, but his fixation on his money problems is quickly replaced by an all-consuming obsession over this much, much darker problem. C. S. Forester (died 1966) was a significant literary figure of the 20th century. Their work has endured across generations and continues to be read and studied worldwide. As a work of classic literary fiction, Payment Deferred exemplifies the narrative craft and social insight that defined great storytelling of its era. Literary fiction of this period was characterized by careful attention to character psychology, social milieu, and the moral questions that animated public discourse.

Available since: 05/19/2026.

Print length: 206 pages.

Other books that might interest you

The Amateur Cracksman

H.G. Hornung

Poor Bunny! A bad evening at cards leaves him without a penny, and desperate to preserve his good name. In his desperation he comes to A.J. Raffles, his old school friend, hoping for a solution. Well... Raffles has one, but not perhaps the one Bunny was thinking of... for Raffles too, is desperately hard up, and has a novel solution to both their troubles: Burgulary!  
The first in Hornung's Raffles: The Gentlemen Thief series, The Amateur Cracksman is a collection of eight short stories centered around the titular thief as narrated by his erstwhile compatriot bunny, from their first theft to a possible final farewell on a German steamship in the Mediterranean.  
Narrated by Michael Ward.

Show book

Dispatches From The Ruhr

Ernest Hemingway

Before finding celebrity as an author, including his 1954 Nobel Prize, Ernest M. Hemingway honed his craft as a journeyman reporter. In the spring of 1923, as a special correspondent for the Toronto Star, he travelled to the occupied Ruhr Valley where he produced a series of 10 articles, collected here as Dispatches from the Ruhr. In them, he explores the French political system and its role in the decision to occupy the Ruhr Valley militarily, in an effort to collect on unsustainable war reparations. In addition, he examines the suffering of its ordinary citizens, as conditions there led to a progressive loss of confidence in the Wiemar Republic; its economic collapse under the weight of hyper-inflation; and, ultimately, to the rise of Nazism. It is worth reading as both a case study on the unintended consequences of military occupation and a master class in the development of Hemingway’s characteristic prose style.

Show book

The Confucius Collection

Confucius

Master the Wisdom That Shaped an Empire.

For over two thousand years, the teachings of Confucius have served as the moral and social compass for billions. This comprehensive collection brings together the fundamental ideas of the man who believed that personal virtue is the cornerstone of a stable society. From the dinner table to the halls of government, these teachings offer a timeless blueprint for harmony and character.

This collection explores the pillars of Confucian thought:

The Path of Personal Virtue: Discover the concept of the "Superior Man" and how the cultivation of self-discipline and empathy leads to a life of meaning.

The Harmony of Relationships: Explore the "Five Key Relationships" and the importance of filial piety, respect for ancestors, and the bonds that hold families and communities together.

Ethics in Governance: Learn the ancient philosophy of leadership, where rulers govern through moral example rather than force, and meritocracy creates a just state.

Ritual and Tradition: Understand the role of "Li" (ritual propriety) in creating a disciplined and respectful society.

Confucius's wisdom is not merely historical—it is a practical guide for the modern world. Whether you are seeking ethical clarity, leadership insights, or a deeper understanding of Eastern philosophy, this volume is an essential cornerstone for your library.

Lead with virtue. Build with harmony. Buy "The Confucius Collection" today and walk the path of the Sage.

Show book

The Duchess and the Jeweller

Virginia Woolf

A brilliantly crafted short story that explores ambition, appearance, and the hidden complexities of human relationships.

Discover "The Duchess and the Jeweller" by Virginia Woolf, one of the acclaimed author's finest short stories. Combining elegant prose, psychological depth, and subtle social commentary, this timeless work offers a compelling glimpse into the desires, ambitions, and moral dilemmas that shape human behavior.

The story centers on a successful London jeweller whose encounter with a wealthy duchess sets in motion a tense and thought-provoking exchange. As questions of trust, status, appearance, and personal ambition emerge, Virginia Woolf masterfully explores the contrast between outward success and inner uncertainty. Through sharp observation and refined storytelling, she examines themes of wealth, class, power, illusion, integrity, and the complexities of human nature without revealing the story's pivotal moments.

First published in 1938, "The Duchess and the Jeweller" remains a notable example of Woolf's extraordinary talent for blending psychological insight with social observation. Its elegant style and enduring themes continue to make it an engaging read for lovers of classic literature and modernist fiction.

Perfect for readers who enjoy classic short stories, literary fiction, psychological fiction, British literature, modernist writing, and thought-provoking classics, this memorable work offers a rewarding reading experience rich in atmosphere and meaning.

Experience the brilliance of Virginia Woolf in one of her most compelling short works. Add "The Duchess and the Jeweller" to your Kindle library today and discover a timeless story of ambition, appearance, and the complexities of human desire.

Show book

The Drums Roll

Ernest Haycox

This audiobook is narrated by an AI Voice. A vibrant, gritty, and realism-driven historical tale set against the tension and mud of the Philadelphia campaign and the fierce Battle of Germantown during the American Revolutionary War. The plot follows Ira Parcel, an artillery lieutenant who deserted to experience the absolute freedom of serving as a private, and Tod Barkeloo, a rugged, intuitive soldier determined to unmask his mysterious companion. Through foggy night marches, the brutal assault on Chew’s mansion, and the absolute chaos of the battlefield, this story explores human psychology, military duty, pride, and camaraderie amid the roar of combat.

Show book

Little Men

Louisa May Alcott

A school full of boys. A home full of lessons. A world full of warmth and growth.

Little Men is a beloved continuation of the story begun in Little Women, written by Louisa May Alcott.

Set at Plumfield, Jo March's home turned school, the novel follows Jo and her husband Professor Bhaer as they raise and educate a lively group of boys. Each child brings unique challenges, personalities, and lessons, creating a rich tapestry of childhood experiences filled with mischief, kindness, mistakes, and growth.

Through everyday moments and heartfelt stories, the book explores themes of education, responsibility, friendship, and the importance of compassion in shaping young lives.

Warm, thoughtful, and deeply human, Little Men offers a comforting look at childhood and family life in the 19th century.

Show book