John Galsworthy published numerous volumes of poetry over the course of his lengthy literary career, and his talent for lyrical turns of phrase is evident in every tale brought together in the collection Villa Rubein and Other Stories. The title story centers on painter Alois Harz, who finds himself falling head over heels in love with a young woman on holiday when he least expects it. But circumstances beyond his control — and a dark secret from his past — may conspire to keep the couple apart.