The Argosy, Vol. 34

This issue of The Argos (October 1882) contains Chapter XXXV of "Mrs. Raven's Temptation" by the author of "Dr. Hardy's Marriage." Philip Connell and his cousin Frank visit Miss Gertrude Agate, who has received anonymous threatening letters postmarked near Ravenstoke, demanding she remove her adopted niece Evelyn from Ravenscourt. The letters mimic the late Squire's handwriting. Philip explains the harassment stems from an imprudent consultation with a fortune-teller in Coltburn. Miss Agate reads from Evelyn's letter describing village ghostly sightings and her acquaintance with Eldred Sloam, a man injured while fleeing what locals claim was the family ghost. Frank receives an urgent telegram summoning him to Ravenscourt, where his brother has fallen suddenly and gravely ill. Mrs. Raven meets Frank at the station with news of his brother's condition and other unspecified troubles.