Two years ago, having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria Street.
"I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in business a dreary experience.

To me it has been exceptionally so.
During two years I have had three consultations and one small job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought me.

My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s.

Every day, from nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to believe that I should never have any practice at all.
"Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who wished to see me upon business.

He brought up a card, too, with the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it.