The Argosy

# The Argosy (July-December 1881), Volume 32

This bound volume of the Victorian periodical The Argosy, edited by Mrs. Henry Wood (author of East Lynne), contains serialized fiction, short stories, poetry, and biographical sketches. The primary serial is Wood's "Court Netherleigh" (chapters XIX-XXXVII), a domestic mystery involving London businessmen. In Chapter XIX ("Given into Custody"), partners Francis Grubb and James Howard discuss a forged five-hundred-pound cheque drawn on their firm's bank account in Grubb's name. The cheque was presented and cashed by Charles Cleveland, a young clerk in their employ. Howard suspects Cleveland of forgery and theft; Grubb defends the youth's character while acknowledging his reckless spending habits and romantic entanglements. The narrative explores whether Cleveland is guilty or whether other explanations exist.

The volume also features "Johnny Ludlow's Papers" (domestic stories), G.B. Stuart's "At a German Silver Wedding," J.M. Wharton's "Edith Falconer," biographical essays on historical figures (Benjamin Franklin, Hugh Latimer, John Donne, Mrs. Siddons), and verse by various contributors.