The Argosy, Vol. 58

# The Argos, July 1894

"The Grey Monk," a serial by T. W. Speight (author of The Mysteries of Heron Dyke), continues with Luigi Rispani established at Withington Chase under his assumed identity as Lewis Clare, Sir Gilbert's grandson. Giovanna, his supposed mother, is installed at Maylings, an early Georgian country house. Sir Gilbert provides her with a horse, brougham, and piano, enabling her to study music with Signor Sampi. Giovanna becomes the object of local society's attention despite her limited English education. Sir Gilbert engages Mrs. Tew, a widow and tactful companion, to accompany her on calls. Captain Verinder, Giovanna's uncle, arranges for her maid Lucille Fretin to spy on household affairs while he visits weekly under cover of Giovanna's social schedule. Verinder extracts increasing sums from Giovanna's quarterly allowance. Meanwhile, Luigi endures classical tutoring from Rev. Eldred Merton, proving aptitude-deficient but proceeding at Sir Gilbert's insistence, which continues twice weekly.