Chapters 1-3 Summary

Author William Ashenden ignores telephone messages from colleague Alroy (Roy) Kear, delivered through his landlady, Miss Fellows, but wonders what his acquaintance for twenty years could suddenly want. Before bed, William contemplates Roy's achievement, parlaying little talent into a successful writing and speaking career. He writes with a knowing ear about the aristocracy in his early, tasteful novels, benefits from advice from other authors and critics, and in turn is generous in giving new writers a leg up. He is never successful enough to worry competitors and knows that he is not a great novelist. He charms even the toughest reviewers over lunch and is himself a friendly but severe critic. Roy has no qualms about abandoning those whose usefulness he has exhausted, remaining cordial if they meet again—and if the other party is not bitter. Roy is free...