The Argosy, Vol. XXXIV

Mrs. Raven's Temptation

This serialized Victorian domestic novel by the author of "Dr. Hardy's Marriage" centers on the Raven household and its crises. Chapter XXXIX begins on Christmas morning, when Frank and Evelyn attend church services while Mrs. Raven remains home caring for Leonard, who has suffered another attack. After the service, Evelyn insists they leave by an unused back gate to avoid villagers. Frank subsequently becomes ill with a bilious attack while resting before dinner. At dinner, the Vicar mentions seeing a mysterious dark young man—possibly a city relation of the new post-mistress Miss Wilmot—who was observed near the graveyard. Miss Wilmot, a lonely woman in reduced circumstances, later reflects suspiciously on a letter the nurse Hannah sent marked "Immediate" to Mrs. Raven's brother-in-law at Coltburn. Chapter XL begins with Frank's recovery when he receives a telegram from Uncle Connell announcing an urgent visit, likely bearing news from detectives.