The Argosy

This is the January 1879 issue of The Argosy, edited by Mrs. Henry Wood, published in London by Richard Bentley & Son.

The main serial is "Called to the Rescue," illustrated by M. Ellen Edwards, chronicling events at the country estate of Sir Marcus Combermere, a retired London surgeon. Miss Kate Combermere dreads the unexpected arrival of Mr. and Mrs. Bourne, old friends of her father's, whose visit disrupts her carefully arranged guest list. Kate fears the Bournes will cause quarrels with her other expected visitors. Sir Marcus, a gentle philosopher whose presence seems to mediate conflict, prepares to greet Mrs. Archdale's train. The chapter develops family dynamics and introduces the household at the Court, Sir Marcus's Westmoreland mansion built by a Liverpool merchant.

The volume also contains multiple short stories and serialized installments: "Johnny Ludlow's Papers" (including "Lady Jenkins" across multiple issues), Julia Kavanagh's "Dreamland," Charles W. Wood's illustrated "Cornwall and Devon Coast," contributions by Mary Cecil Hay, G.B. Stuart, and others. Poetry and miscellaneous articles round out the contents.