The Argosy, Vol. XIII

# Museum Catalog Note

Within the Maze (serialized in The Argos, February 1, 1872) continues the melodramatic narrative by the author of East Lynne. Chapter IV presents the trial of Sir Adam Andinnian, recently inherited baronet, charged with shooting Martin Scott, a medical student. The circumstances: Scott had persistently and forcibly kissed Miss Rose Turner—a young neighbor—despite her resistance and objections, despite warnings from Andinnian that he would shoot him if he repeated the offense. When Scott kisses Turner again in a garden, Andinnian retrieves a loaded gun left nearby and shoots him fatally. The trial testimony from servant Thomas Hewitt and the visibly distressed Miss Turner confirms the sequence of events and Scott's deliberate defiance. Andinnian himself maintains calm composure and refuses to deny his actions, despite his brother Karl's efforts and his mother's pleas that he allow a trial rather than plead guilty. The evidence suggests premeditation, though character testimony emphasizes Andinnian's humane nature and carelessness.