Beadle's Pocket Novels No. 190: Old Jupe

# Old Jupe: A Woman's Art

This 1867 Beadle and Adams serial by Mrs. Orrin James opens in New Bristol, Missouri, a riverside settlement. Mary Miller, nineteen, is the town beauty—known for innocence and sweet temperament. She is engaged to Luke Bryant, a steamboat mate of excellent reputation and prospects, with wedding planned for October.

The plot's complication arrives when Mary's half-sister Annette (called Nettie) unexpectedly immigrates from New York after reading Mary's glowing letters about western life and beaux. Annette had been infatuated with Luke during their steamboat passage, unaware of his engagement. Discovering Luke is promised to Mary, Annette burns with jealousy. Unable to seduce Luke directly, she attempts sabotage by fabricating a cruel lie: that Mary was brought west to hide a theft conviction. Luke, recognizing Annette's malice and unrequited love, rebukes her severely, and the falsehood fails to damage Mary. The narrative suggests Annette's schemes will continue despite this initial defeat.