The Argosy, Vol. 36

About this issue

This serialized mystery-romance concerns the inquest into Sir John Hatherley's sudden death. Gertrude, his elegant but scandalous young wife, falls under suspicion when testimony emerges of her receiving a mysterious visitor the day he died, her walk to meet a well-dressed beggar, her selling jewels, and her discovery of Sir John's death hours after it occurred. The coroner, Mr. Lathom, orchestrates insinuating questions while household members—including the vindictive nurse Mrs. Wilson and Sir John's jealous sister Mrs. Hatherley—offer damaging testimony hinting at poisoning by chloral. Dr. Hervey testifies uncertainly about cause of death. The inquest adjourns without conclusion, leaving Gertrude terrified and friendless except for Mark, her stepson. The narrative builds suspicion through gossip and circumstantial evidence while withholding definitive facts about Sir John's death.