1. NOVEMBER THE TWENTY-EIGHTH. UNTIL TEN
P.M.Monday came, the day named for Mrs. Manston's journey from
London to her husband's house; a day of singular and great events,
influencing the present and future of nearly all the personages
whose actions in a complex drama form the subject of this
record.
The proceedings of the steward demand the first notice. Whilst
taking his breakfast on this particular morning, the clock pointing
to eight, the horse-and-gig that was to take him to Chettlewood
waiting ready at the door, Manston hurriedly cast his eyes down the
column of Bradshaw which showed the details and duration of the
selected train's journey.
The inspection was carelessly made, the leaf being kept open by
the aid of one hand, whilst the other still held his cup of coffee;
