The Argosy, October 1887

The Missing Rubies by Sarah Doudney, serialized in The Argosy (October 1887)

Chapter XXIV, "Quiet Days," depicts Beatrice recovering from illness after a shocking incident involving her betrothed, Godwin Earle, who faces a "cruel accusation" of theft involving rubies belonging to Countess Gradizoff. Bedridden at the Miltons' house on Wimpole Street, Beatrice receives a contrite letter from Godwin professing his love despite his disgrace. Her guardian, Mr. Redburn, writes angry letters condemning the engagement, but Mrs. Milton defends Godwin's innocence. As Beatrice convalesces, various characters—Vordenberg, Michael Stavieski, and the mysterious Madame Valerot—move through her life's orbit. Chapter XXV, "The Stolen Note," depicts Stavieski, haunted by memories of Polish exile and suffering, discovering an open note in Madame Valerot's drawing room—suggesting she may be implicated in the central mystery.