Prologue Summary

The 13th Earl of Gurney, attending a formal banquet, proposes a toast to the glory of England. The National Anthem plays as the scene changes to the Earl's bedroom where Tucker, the Earl's manservant, helps him undress. Their conversation reveals that the Earl's father took the room's ornate bed all over the world with him. The Earl's older brothers have all been killed, leaving him with the title, and the Earl plans to get married again to someone named Grace Shelley in order to produce a new heir. There are indications that Jack, the Earl's son, is unsuitable.

As the Earl talks about the tedium of duty, Tucker prepares a noose of silk rope, hanging at just the right height, and a set of portable steps. The Earl orders his usual whisky and soda, and Tucker goes out. As he talks about memories...