The Argosy, Vol. 45

About this issue

The Story of Charles Strange by Mrs. Henry Wood (author of East Lynne) appears in this May 1888 issue of The Argosy. Chapter XIII, "Suspicion," concerns the investigation into Lord Level's stabbing at Marshdale House. Inspector Poole arrives to interrogate the household after the invalid nobleman is found wounded in bed. His subordinate Jekyl suspects Lady Level, the young, recently married wife, based on circumstantial evidence: no external entry, a knife found in her room, and prior quarreling between the couple. However, Lady Level confesses to Mr. Ravensworth, a family friend, that she witnessed a mysterious figure in flannel with dark eyes and an Italian appearance enter her room by candlelight, cross to her dressing table, then retreat when Lord Level cried out. Lord Level subsequently demands her silence and now claims the attacker was merely a drunk poacher, contradicting her account. The knife is identified as belonging to the steward Drewitt, though the housekeeper suppresses this revelation. The investigation remains suspended as the inspector arrives.