The Argosy

This volume of The Argosy (July–December 1887) contains two substantial serialized novels and numerous shorter fiction pieces, verse, and essays.

"Lady Grace" by Mrs. Henry Wood (author of East Lynne), illustrated by M. Ellen Edwards, presents Mary Dynevor confessing to Sir Everard Wilmot that she cannot marry him as promised. She reveals she loves Charles Baumgarten instead, a family friend who is currently too poor to propose. Mary begs the honorable Sir Everard to release her from the engagement himself, fearing her severe father would never consent to her marrying a poor man.

"The Missing Rubies" by Sarah Doudney, illustrated by Frank Dadd, follows a mystery through multiple chapters involving stolen rubies, investigations at various estates (Meadow House, Oak Lodge), an exile's story, and eventual revelations about a stolen necklace and its history.

Additional fiction includes "Gwen" by E.M. Alford, "In a Dangerous Strait" by M.E. Penn, and "Monsieur Silvain's Secret" by Mary E. Penn. The issue features essays on "Letters from Majorca" (illustrated) and "Alexandre Dumas," plus verse contributions.