The Argosy, Vol. VII

# Roland Yorke: A Sequel to "The Channings"

This serialized novel by the author of East Lynne continues the story of Reverend Henry William Ollivera, a clergyman in poor London, four years after his brother's mysterious death—which he remains convinced was not suicide, despite the official verdict. The police investigation has stalled; the agent Butterby found no evidence and the case has gone cold.

Ollivera becomes absorbed in a parishioner's case: a dying man named Gisby who was wrongly accused of theft years ago while serving Judge Kene (recently elevated to the bench). Desperate to reconcile Gisby with his former master before death, Ollivera contacts his cousin Bede Greatorex seeking Kene's whereabouts. When Ollivera's maid Alletha Rye delivers the note to Bede's office, she shockingly recognizes the managing clerk "Mr. Brown" as Godfrey Pitman—a man connected to Ollivera's brother's death. Pitman cryptically warns her to silence, hinting at complicated entanglements that could prove fatal if exposed. The serial continues with Ollivera attending an unexpectedly crowded society party at Bede's house to seek Judge Kene.