The Argosy, Vol. 41

# Lady Valeria

The Argonaut, April 1886, Chapter XIII: "A Cry in the Darkness"

This serial continuation follows protagonist Edric Poynter, summoned by the mysterious Euphrosyne to a private hotel room at Privett's Family Hotel. There, she requires him to serve as a witness to her questioning about his acquaintance with military officer Alwyn Monk, currently in South Africa. After confirming Monk's absence, Euphrosyne requests Edric write an unsigned letter of introduction commending her to Monk's notice. As Edric completes this task, a second woman's voice commands him to stay; the screen falls, the lamp extinguishes, and Edric is expelled. Waiting outside, he discovers the other woman sleeping on a couch—elderly, fine-featured, adorned with gems. When confronted, Euphrosyne warns him to abandon his inquiries. The chapter ends with Edric enraged, accusing both women of manipulation, while Euphrosyne's expression turns serpentine with barely contained fury.