"The Dweller on the Threshold" by Robert Hichens is a novel written in the early 20th century. It explores themes of faith, psychic research, and personal turmoil through the interactions of its main characters, including the troubled clergyman Rev. Marcus Harding and the psychically curious Evelyn Malling. The story delves into the contradictions of belief systems while examining the emotional landscapes of its characters. The opening of the novel introduces Evelyn Malling and Rev. Marcus Harding during a chance encounter on Westminster Bridge. As Malling observes Harding, he picks up on a sadness masked by the clergyman's success and commanding presence. The narrative juxtaposes Harding's public persona with the private struggles he faces, particularly in relation to his senior curate, Henry Chichester, who exhibits a critical attitude towards him. As the men walk together, conversations unfold that hint at deeper psychological and spiritual conflicts, raising questions about the influence of one’s character over another and the impact of external perceptions on personal identity. This initial set-up foreshadows a complex exploration of faith versus skepticism, personal relationships, and the unseen forces that might manipulate one’s soul. (This is an automatically generated summary.)