Chapter I

_The Laurels,
Putney Heath, S. W.
November 9._

DEAR LADY WHERNSIDE,

Yes, I will come to Whernside House next Thursday. I do not know
you well, and I shall feel out of place among your friends,
but I need not stop long. I think that to be seen at such a
gathering, even for but a few moments, is of general advantage to
my business; otherwise I should certainly not come. One thing I
beg of you, which is that you will not ask me a number of private
questions under the illusion that you are condescending. The habit
is very offensive to me, and it is the chief drawback I feel in
visiting your house. I may add that though I am of the middle
classes, like your late father, I have a very pretty taste in
furniture, and the inside of your house simply makes me sick.

I am,
Very faithfully yours,
JOHN ROE.