The Argosy, Vol. 56

This December 1893 issue of The Argos contains chapters XL and XLI of the serial novel Mr. Warrenne: Medical Practitioner, continuing a domestic drama of marriage, engagement complications, and romantic entanglements. Chapter XL ("Love and Abuse") depicts Florence Reynolds—pale and distressed after a ball—learning that her friend Ada has become engaged to Sir Frederic Manning. Florence tearfully begs Mr. Courtenay to break off their own engagement, which he agrees to do. He then visits Forrel Court, where he encounters Maud Warrenne; after an emotionally charged conversation mixing quarreling with romantic confession, he declares his long-standing love for her and proposes marriage, despite her protestations. Chapter XLI ("Too Late") begins with Leonard Warrenne arriving home, observing Courtenay's departure and wondering about his conversation with Maud's father.