The Argosy, Vol. 15

# Catalog Description

The Master of Greylands, serialized in The Argos (January 1, 1873), is by the author of East Lynne. This opening installment introduces Mr. Peter Castlemaine, a fifty-one-year-old banker in the market town of Tilborough who, despite his long reputation for financial success, faces imminent ruin. In his private office, Castlemaine confides to his loyal clerk Thomas Hill that he has mortgaged the Armannon bonds—supposedly redeemable within weeks—to cover urgent payments months prior. Unable to recoup losses from failed speculations, he confronts financial collapse. At dinner that evening, his brother James (owner of Greylands estate) observes Peter appears unwell, then visits Peter's daughter Mary Ursula, twenty-five, an accomplished and gentle young woman of striking beauty, whom Peter adores. The narrative establishes domestic gentility amid concealed financial crisis.