The Argosy, Vol. 30

The Mysteries of Heron Dyke, Chapter XXII: Ella Winter, fainting on a wrecked brig, is rescued by Edward Conroy, who arrives by chance from the village. Hubert Stone, who had rowed her to the wreck, apparently swam ashore. During a violent storm that night, new servant Betsy Tucker hears mysterious footsteps and moans outside her door—the handle turns though she locked it. The brig sinks in the gale. Conroy remains at the Hall; he and Ella share a romantic walk, though she avoids looking at the sea. The narrative hints at hidden secrets in Ella's claim to Heron Dyke, suggested by Stone's cryptic warning about fraud, which troubles her despite her joy at Conroy's devotion.