I can't explain why, but it is a fact.

But what fellows like me don't understand is the great comfortable, satisfied middle-class world, the folk that live in villas and suburbs.

He doesn't know how they look at things, he doesn't understand their conventions, and he is as shy of them as of a black mamba.

When a trim parlour-maid opened the door, I could hardly find my voice.
I asked for Mr Appleton, and was ushered in.

My plan had been to walk straight into the dining-room, and by a sudden appearance wake in the men that start of recognition which would confirm my theory.