Who is Sir Herbert Witherspoon from Collected Short Stories Volume Three and what is their importance? W._Somerset_Maugham English & Literature Sir Herbert Witherspoon | Collected Short Stories Volume Three

Sir Herbert Witherspoon appears in the story, His Excellency. He is a British diplomat whom Ashenden initially dislikes because of his coolness. When Asenden informs Witherspoon that an American ambassador resents him because of his inability to be anything but polite, polished and cool, Witherspoon responds by inviting Ashenden to dinner. During dinner, he tells Ashenden about the time he had an affair with an acrobat by the name of Alix. He uses this story to help Ashenden understand that happiness is more important than status.