The Argosy, Vol. 57

This issue of The Argos (June 1894) contains Chapter XXII of "The Grey Monk" by T. W. Speight, author of "The Mysteries of Heron Dyke." The serialized novel follows romantic entanglements among the Keymer and Thursby families. Launce Keymer has courted heiress Ethel Thursby for her expected inheritance but abandons her upon learning her aunts have lost their fortune. Ethel writes him a scathing letter detailing his duplicity—revealing he previously sought compromising letters from a governess, Hetty Blair, with whom he was simultaneously involved. Launce's father, a brewer, summons his son home to confront the charges. After Launce admits his foolishness, he resumes his carefree social life. Hetty, frustrated that her actions inadvertently benefited Launce by prompting Ethel to break the engagement, plots revenge, enlisting Ambrose Lydd, a young solicitor's clerk who harbors feelings for her, to approach Mr. Keymer with undisclosed business concerning Hetty.