The Argosy, Vol. XIX

# "A Secret of the Sea" — The Argosy, June 1875

This serial installment (Chapter XV) continues a domestic intrigue set among London commercial circles. Mr. Byrne executes his will, dividing thirty thousand pounds equally between his children Gerald and Miriam; executors Van Duren and Mr. Dexter witness the ceremony. After they depart, clerk Jonas Pringle discovers Byrne—apparently disguised and not truly deaf as claimed—celebrating privately, arousing Pringle's suspicion of a conspiracy against Van Duren.

Pringle, a shabby, fifty-five-year-old lodger at Van Duren's premises, harbors resentment toward his employer. He possesses a forged key to Van Duren's fireproof safe and plans theft within a month when Grainger's payment arrives. Meanwhile, Van Duren steels himself to propose marriage to Miriam, the beautiful young daughter, coveting both her person and fortune. When he visits that evening, Miriam receives him in ornate Eastern dress—amber silk, Persian scarves, shells, coins, and bells—captivating him completely.