The Argosy, Vol. XXVII

About this issue

This February 1879 Argosy installment continues "Called to the Rescue" (Chapter IV, "Dr. Thaddeus"), a serialized domestic melodrama. Adela Granard, recently arrived at the home of the ailing Hester Dangerfield, is awakened at night by her hostess, who begs her to become guardian to her daughter Emily. The next morning, lawyer Walrond executes a will securing the child's inheritance and appointing Adela as guardian. Hester then takes Adela to meet the enigmatic Dr. Thaddeus, an eccentric naturalist and scientist whose museum contains taxidermied specimens. The doctor, observing Hester's nervous deference and questioning Adela's qualifications, cryptically references the "Professor"—Hester's current husband—and examines Adela's handwriting. He escorts them to a conservatory hospital where Emily tends wounded dogs, and her terrified reaction upon seeing the visitors suggests danger surrounding the household.