CHAPTER II.
I may as well say at once that this little record pretends in no degree to be a picture either of my introduction to Mr.Paraday or of certain proximate steps and stages.

The scheme of my narrative allows no space for these things, and in any case a prohibitory sentiment would hang about my recollection of so rare an hour.

These meagre notes are essentially private, so that if they see the light the insidious forces that, as my story itself shows, make at present for publicity will simply have overmastered my precautions.

The curtain fell lately enough on the lamentable drama.

My memory of the day I alighted at Mr.Paraday's door is a fresh memory of kindness, hospitality, compassion, and of the wonderful illuminating talk in which the welcome was conveyed.