The Argosy, Vol. 30

This October 1880 installment of "The Mysteries of Heron Dyke," Chapter XXVIII, concerns Miss Ella Winter's visit to London at her aunt Mrs. Carlyon's invitation. Troubled by persistent supernatural occurrences at Heron Dyke—reports of sightings of the supposedly deceased Katherine Keen, mysterious footsteps, and uncanny disturbances—Ella welcomes the change. In London, she unexpectedly meets Mr. Gilbert Denison, the estranged relative she imagined as menacing, finding him instead a genial antiquary. He expresses hope his wandering son Frank might marry Ella and consolidate properties. Upon returning refreshed to the Hall, rumors circulate throughout the village about mysteries surrounding Squire Denison's death. Mr. Charles Plackett, a London solicitor, receives inquiries from his agent Nixon and determines to investigate personally, noting with interest that Miss Winter herself suspects fraud.