The Shadow of the Rope

This is The Shadow of the Rope by E. W. Hornung, author of the Raffles stories. The opening chapter, "The End of Their Life," introduces Rachel Minchin, a poor Australian-born woman who married the wealthy but dissolute Alexander Minchin after a ship voyage. Their marriage deteriorated in London as Minchin gambled and drank, while Rachel's pride and resentment festered. Planning to leave England and return to Australia by morning boat, Rachel packs frantically through the night while her intoxicated husband sleeps downstairs. Before departing, she visits a young man named Severino, apparently ill and the subject of scandal connecting them, to ask after his health. Upon returning home with her trunk, she discovers Alexander dead in his chair. The novel appears to be a mystery involving her sudden widowhood and its implications.