LEAVEN OF MALICE
Although the malice that prompted the insertion of this false engagement notice was aimed at three people only--Solly Bridgetower, a junior instructor in English at Waverly University; Pearl Vambrace, the subdued daughter of a domineering professor; and Gloster Ridley, the anxiety-ridden editor of the Evening Bellman--the leaven of malice will change permanently, for good or ill, the lives of many of the citizens of Salterton.