The Argosy, Vol. XIX, March 1875

A Secret of the Sea This serial installment continues Chapter VII of "A Secret of the Sea" (author unnamed, though noted as author of "In the Dead of Night"). The narrative involves family intrigue and secret affections within the upper-middle-class Kelvin household. Matthew Kelvin, a lawyer, returns home to learn his cousin Olive has accepted a governess position at Stammars estate with Lady Dudgeon, largely motivated by her unrequited love for Matthew himself. Matthew harbors wounded feelings over his rejection by Eleanor Lloyd, a situation Olive schemes to exploit. Matthew has reluctantly secured a position for Jack Pomeroy as secretary to Sir Thomas Dudgeon (also at Stammars), funding partly from family loans. Meanwhile, Matthew wrestles with his conscience over withholding contents of a sealed packet from Miss Lloyd, rationalizing his silence while recognizing its dishonorability. The narrative balances romantic tension against questions of professional ethics and familial obligation.