Cirrus@Austlit

British tale of artistic rivalry and murder. An established English artist reveals in a fever on his deathbed that he murdered another artist, a friend, in his youth whilst under the influence of opium - jealous of his rival's artistic ability and his love for Kate Ilverton. The murderer had always believed his friend's spirit had completed the painting he was working on at the time of his death. Neat twist in that Kate Ilverton later married the murderer and learned of his unconscious guilt in their long marriage - living with the knowledge for years. Completely written; 'true art' theme included. (PB)