It has been stated by Mr.Sherard in his "Life" that the police did not attempt to execute the warrant against Wilde, "till after the last train had left for Dover," and that it was only Oscar's obstinacy in remaining in London that necessitated his arrest.

This idea is wholly imaginary.
It is worth while to know exactly what took place at this juncture.
From Oscar's conduct in this crisis the reader will be able to judge whether he has been depicted faithfully or not in this book.

He has been described as amiable, weak, of a charming disposition--easily led in action, though not in thought: now we shall see how far we were justified, for he is at one of those moments which try the soul.
Fortunately every incident of that day is known: Oscar himself told me generally what happened and the minutest details of the picture were filled in for me a little later by his best friend, Robert Ross.
In the morning Mr.Mathews, one of Oscar's counsel, came to him and said: "If you wish it, Clarke and I will keep the case going and give you time to get to Calais." Oscar refused to stir.

"I'll stay," was all he would say.

Robert Ross urged him to accept Mathew's offer; but he would not: why?
I am sure he had no reason, for I put the question to him more than once, and even after reflecting, he had no explanation to give.