The Argosy, Vol. 34

# Mrs. Raven's Temptation (The Argosy, December 1882)

This serialized domestic mystery-drama, by the author of "Dr. Hardy's Marriage," resolves major plot threads through interrogation of Charity Hale, a servant at Raven Court. Charity reveals that Madame Elah, a fortune-teller operating under aliases, is actually Isabella Hale—sister to the housekeeper. After years of concealment, a discovered marriage certificate proves Squire Eldred Raven secretly married Charity's sister Salome and fathered an heir. This child, Marian Snow, was adopted away, later married Theodore Agate, and produced Frank Raven, the current heir. Charity confesses to using false marriage documentation to advance Frank's position. A mysterious ghostly figure has haunted the estate; Charity identifies it as Eldred Sloam impersonating the dead Squire. The chapter concludes with Leonard Raven's death and Frank's recovery, as Alice Cleare keeps vigil by his bedside.