Doctor North : — You are a liberal man : liberal in
the true classical sense, not in the slang sense of mod-
ern politicians and education-mongers. Being so, I am
sure that you will sympathize with my case. I am an
ill-used man, Dr. North — particularly ill used ; and,
with your permission, I will briefly explain how. A
black scene of calumny will be laid open ; but you,
Doctor, will make things all square again. One frown
from you, directed to the proper quarter, or a warning
shake of the crutch, will set me right in public opinion,
which at present, I am sorry to say, is rather hostile to
me and mine — all owing to the wicked arts of slan-
derers. But you shall hear.
A good many years ago you may remember that 1
came forward in the character of a dilettante in murder.
Perhaps dilettante may be too strong a word. Con-
noisseur is better suited to the scruples and infirmity of
public taste. I suppose there is no harm in that at least.
