CHAPTER I.
AN INVITATION TO DINNER Mr.Samuel Weatherley, sole proprietor of the firm of Samuel Weatherley & Co., wholesale provision merchants, of Tooley Street, London, paused suddenly on his way from his private office to the street.

There was something which until that second had entirely slipped his memory.

It was not his umbrella, for that, neatly tucked up, was already under his arm.

Nor was it the _Times_, for that, together with the supplement, was sticking out of his overcoat pocket, the shape of which it completely ruined.

As a matter of fact, it was more important than either of these--it was a commission from his wife.
Very slowly he retraced his steps until he stood outside the glass-enclosed cage where twelve of the hardest-worked clerks in London bent over their ledgers and invoicing.