The Argosy, Vol. 37

# The White Witch — Chapter IV, "Too Many for Him"

This serialized Victorian domestic drama centers on Godfrey Mayne and his stepmother Mrs. Mayne at Croxham Abbey. The chapter depicts Godfrey intercepting a mysterious telegram Mrs. Mayne sent to Miss Dixon (apparently her daughter) at Dinan, reading "Do not start until you hear again from me." Godfrey suspects his stepmother may be using stratagems to arrange a marriage between him and Miss Dixon. When young Elspeth Thornhill visits for a knitting lesson, his father and stepmother conspire to make Elspeth attractive by dressing her in Spanish costume—lace shawl, fan, and rose. The ploy partly succeeds; Godfrey walks with Elspeth in the garden and nearly kisses her, but restrains himself, recognizing his father's transparent matchmaking. The narrative also introduces Jane Wilding, a farmer's daughter returning from Wales. A flower show at Cheston and a sermon on women's domestic duties are mentioned as upcoming events.