Shortly before he came out of prison, one of Oscar's intimates told me he was destitute, and begged me to get him some clothes.

I took the name of his tailor and ordered two suits.

The tailor refused to take the order: he was not going to make clothes for Oscar Wilde.

I could not trust myself to talk to the man and therefore sent my assistant editor and friend, Mr.Blanchamp, to have it out with him.

The tradesman soul yielded to the persuasiveness of cash in advance.