The Argosy, Vol. 9

This issue of The Argosy contains the first part of "Bessy Rane" by the author of East Lynne, a Victorian domestic drama serialized across multiple installments. The narrative opens with Dr. Oliver Rane summoned urgently to Dallory Hall where Edmund North, eldest son of Mr. North, has collapsed into unconsciousness following a mysterious anonymous letter. The letter, received at dinner, accuses Edmund of financial impropriety—drawing bills in conjunction with Mr. Alexander, the local surgeon and Dr. Rane's rival. Edmund, prone to passion and having consumed wine, immediately suspects Alexander wrote it and confronts him; their heated quarrel ends with Alexander's abrupt departure and Edmund's subsequent fit. Dr. Rane arrives to find Edmund senseless and attempts treatment before being displaced by two consulting physicians from Whitborough, one of whom previously warned Edmund against excitement due to suspected heart disease—a fact unknown to Dr. Rane and Edmund's family. The narrative establishes tension between the two physicians, romantic interest between Dr. Rane and gentle Miss Bessy North, and mystery surrounding the letter's authorship.