The Argosy, Vol. XLVIII

# The Village Blacksmith by Darley Dale (November 1889)

This serial continues the plot of Miss Vera Tempest. Chapter XXXI finds Vera seeking refuge in a French convent with Father Ambrose's help, disguised as a nun. The Mother-Prioress shelters her while she awaits news of her lover Captain Raleigh and resolution of false accusations against her regarding stolen diamonds and a shooting. Vera becomes beloved in the convent and sings in the organ-loft. That night, Vera sleepwalks through the cloisters in her nun's habit, calling out to Arthur (Raleigh), with thirty-four nuns witnessing her sleepwalking—testimony Father Ambrose deems crucial evidence of her innocence. Father Ambrose returns with letters from Raleigh and Vera's father, who consents to their engagement. Chapter XXXII opens with Reuben Foreman leaving court, having apparently confessed to his secret sin concerning Mark Brown's perjury case against Vera.