The Argosy, Vol. 49

About this issue

This issue of The Argos (January 1890) contains the opening installment of "The House of Halliwell" by Mrs. Henry Wood, author of East Lynne. The story, written years earlier but previously unpublished, introduces Major Halliwell's household in the village of Seaford near London. The Major, a retired officer enriched by Indian service, lives with his wife and five surviving children: Alfred (twenty), Hester (eighteen), Lucy (fifteen), Mary (youngest), and Jane (recently married to Lieutenant Pepper and departing for India). The evening's action centers on the unexpected arrival of Aunt Copp, the Major's younger sister, recently returned from China via Liverpool with her merchant-captain husband. Aunt Copp brings gifts and news, but learns of recent family tragedy—two young sons died of scarlet fever in May. The chapter concludes as Aunt Copp begins reading Hester's fortune using tarot cards, despite mild parental disapproval.