The Argosy, Vol. 41

About this issue

Lady Valeria is a serial narrative beginning in this issue. The story follows Edric Poynter, a military instructor in the Royal Denbigh Regiment who has spent six weeks attempting to secure Monday leave to visit a woman he met. During Easter leave in Folkestone, Poynter assisted a traveling invalid and her party—receiving a calling card from Mrs. Noel Damien of South Kensington with the notation "At Home every Monday, 4 to 6." After months of failed attempts due to military duties and weather, Poynter finally reaches the address on Whit Monday. The narrative employs romantic suspense: on the train an encounter with a mysteriously portentous woman creates an ominous atmosphere. Upon arriving at 25 St. Maur Road, Poynter discovers the house belongs to Miss Cadogan, and no Mrs. Damien has ever lived there. The calling card appears to have been fabricated. The opening establishes mystery and romantic disappointment as plot foundations.