The Argosy, Vol. 53

This April 1892 *Argonaut* installment continues "Ashley" by Mrs. Henry Wood (author of *East Lynne*), focusing on a contested parliamentary election in the village of Ashley. Arthur Ashley, Sir Henry's nephew, runs as candidate alongside the incumbent Colonel Paget against Richard Storm, a popular attorney. During campaign speeches, Lady Ashley scandalously appears in a carriage bearing yellow (Storm's) rosettes, publicly accusing Arthur of deliberately drowning Sir Henry's young heir to inherit Ashley. Though Surgeon Gay refutes this as accidental, the baseless allegation spreads; voters, emboldened by Storm's supplied beer and money, turn against Ashley through inflammatory placards and crude satirical drawings. Arthur loses the election and relocates to London with his family, while the calumny pursues him there. Years pass; Major Hayne returns to the village after five years abroad, visiting Surgeon Gay, who reports Sir Henry in declining health.