The Argosy, Vol. 41

Lady Valeria, serial installment from March 1886, by author unnamed in this excerpt. Chapter IX, "Under the Stars," continues the mystery involving Vicar Eustace Stannard, who has been entrusted by Lady Valeria with a secret concerning a hidden son. A mysterious Seven of Spades card found in the vestry troubles him. When his cousin Arbuthnot Corbett arrives before departing to America, Eustace enlists his help to locate Irish emigrants named Magrath. Corbett travels to Ireland and discovers Stephen Magrath's letter revealing he emigrated to Petropolis, Illinois, where he operates a grocery and general store—apparently prospering modestly. This contradicts expectations that he might be dead. Upon receiving Corbett's report, Eustace rushes to Lady Valeria's London townhouse on Seagrave Place to deliver the letter. The excerpt ends as a woman mysteriously exits the house as he arrives.