The Argosy, Vol. 55

This March 1893 issue of The Argos features Chapter VI of "The Engagement of Susan Chase" by Mrs. Henry Wood, author of East Lynne. The narrative, set in Barbados, follows Susan Chase, who discovers that her sister Emma (Mrs. Carnagie) has secretly departed for England aboard a ship, apparently eloping with Captain Chard—her husband's rival. When Mr. Leicester, a conscientious clergyman, learns of the situation and Susan's precarious position remaining unchaperoned in the sick man's house, he arranges for his sister Mrs. Freeman to stay with her. Meanwhile, Lieutenant Carnagie falls gravely ill with fever. After six days he regains consciousness and, having missed Emma entirely, begs Susan to fetch his wife so he might reconcile with her. Susan, sworn to maintain the fiction that Emma left legitimately, struggles with her difficult position.