The Argosy, Vol. 58

About this issue

This serial installment follows protagonist John Clare as he confirms his long-lost daughter's identity through interviews in London. Clare's wife reveals that their child, presumed dead in infancy, survived through a servant's theft and deception. The servant, Martha Griggs, had stolen money and jewels while the mother was hospitalized with fever, masquerading under an assumed name. Clare discovers his daughter is Ethel Thursby, a young woman already present at his family estate and engaged to Everard Lisle, his estate manager. Clare informs his father Sir Gilbert of this revelation over dinner. The following day, Lady Pell breaks the news to Ethel while Sir Gilbert and John debate whether Lisle, as an honorable gentleman, will release her from their engagement now that she has become an heiress. Everard and Ethel subsequently meet in the park at sunset, unaware of the revelation about to transform their circumstances.