Chambers's Journal of Popular Literature, Science, and Art, fifth series, no. 153, vol. III, December 4, 1886

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

75937

Title

Chambers's Journal of Popular Literature, Science, and Art, fifth series, no. 153, vol. III, December 4, 1886

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

A Victorian miscellany featuring a detailed look at life on guard at Windsor Castle, a suspenseful tale of a governess suspecting her employer of poisoning his stepdaughter for her fortune, a romantic comedy involving a poet and an actress who turns out to be his aunt, and a poignant poem about a drowned woman.

Summary up to 500 words

The December 4, 1886 issue of Chambers's Journal presents a diverse array of popular literature, science, and art, beginning with an insider's account of military life at Windsor Castle. The article 'On Guard' details the rigorous duties of soldiers protecting the sovereign's residence, highlighting the harsh exposure to the elements and strict protocols regarding saluting the Queen. It offers a glimpse into the guardroom's routine, the culinary arrangements managed by four cooks, and the specific vigilance required of sentries near royal apartments, including the eerie tradition of shadowy forms in St George's Chapel cloisters. The issue continues with Fred. M. White's adventure story, 'By Order of the League.' The protagonist, Maxwell, awakens in a mountain hut held by bandits in a scenic, snow-capped valley. Despite the initial shock of captivity, Maxwell observes the relaxed demeanor of the group and the presence of gold, suggesting a complex narrative involving negotiation or ransom within a picturesque, isolated setting. A suspenseful domestic thriller, 'Wanted, a Clue,' introduces Miss Armitage, a governess hired to care for the delicate Miss Thorndyke at Gorton Hall. Her employers, Mr. Foster and Mrs. Morrell, strictly forbid her from socializing with locals. Soon, a stranger warns Miss Armitage that Mr. Foster, a cunning chemist, may be plotting to poison his stepdaughter to inherit her fortune before she reaches her majority. Miss Armitage becomes increasingly suspicious of the household's behavior and the health of her charge, fearing foul play as she realizes her presence might merely be a calculated measure to disarm suspicion. 'A Strange Love Affair' offers a comedic twist on romance. Hector Mackinnon, a student, writes a poem for the famous actress Mademoiselle d'Esterre. After several meetings where he is charmed by her talent and beauty, he proposes marriage. The proposal is met with a shocking revelation: she is forty-three years old and, more surprisingly, his aunt, the sister of his father's deceased wife. Disillusioned, Hector abandons his ministry studies to pursue drama, eventually marrying the actress's niece, Mademoiselle Andresen. The issue concludes with the poem 'Mehalah,' which depicts a beautiful woman who appears to fishermen before being dragged to her death by a chain. This tragic fate symbolizes a dark reality hidden beneath a calm surface, ending the collection on a somber note.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

Download URL

https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/75937.epub.noimages

Local file path

data/epubs/pg75937.epub

Removed after upload

Downloaded at

2026-07-02 10:58 UTC

Categories

• Periodicals