The Argosy, Vol. 38

The White Witch This serial installment from *The Argosy* (July 1884) continues a Gothic mystery narrative centered on the Mayne household at Croxham Abbey. Godfrey Mayne becomes increasingly suspicious of his stepmother after Sir William Hunt's cryptic visit, suspecting she harbors dangerous secrets from her past—possibly connected to Sir William's dead son. Godfrey notices Mary Dixon examining a stranger's sketch-book with alarm, recognizing the handwriting. Meanwhile, Godfrey and Mary engage in lengthy romantic and philosophical discussions about love and passion, with Mary expressing fear of intense emotion while Godfrey reveals his own awakening feelings. A bracelet Mary has lost is returned via Mr. Cattermole, prompting Godfrey's jealous concern. Nancy Wilding warns Godfrey that her brother Dick, mentally unstable, has become dangerously protective of Mary, believing her endangered—possibly by Godfrey himself—and wanders the grounds at night. The narrative weaves domestic tension, romantic uncertainty, and mounting supernatural dread.