“We can’t make you take us seriously, Mrs. Ambrose,” he protested. “May I ask how you’ve spent your time? Reading—philosophy?” (He saw the black book.) “Metaphysics and fishing!” he exclaimed. “If I had to live again I believe I should devote myself to one or the other.” He began turning the pages.

‘You needn’t alarm yourself a bit, Mr Snevellicci,’ said Mrs Lillyvick. ‘She is only a little weak and nervous; she has been so ever since the morning.’