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The Argosy, Vol. 32
Court Netherleigh by Mrs. Henry Wood This serial installment from *The Argosy* (August 1881) continues a domestic melodrama of theft and romantic entanglement. Charles Cleveland sits imprisoned in Newgate after taking the blame for forging a check drawn on his employer Mr. Grubb's account. The check was actually forged by Lady Adela, who needed gambling money from her husband's firm (in which old Mr. Howard is also a partner). Charles had gallantly assumed guilt to protect Adela, with whom he is infatuated. The Countess of Acorn and her daughter Grace visit Charles in his cell to reveal that the truth has emerged: notes traced to Adela, combined with his forced confession, have exposed her crime. Later, Adela's parents confront her in Grosvenor Square. Lord Acorn, devastated by his daughter's fall from respectability, warns that old Mr. Howard may press charges despite her husband's desire to suppress the scandal. Adela, terrified and sobbing, hopes her husband's position will shield her from prosecution.