Brooksmith Summary

Brooksmith is the short, extremely competent butler for Mr. Oliver Offord. Mr. Offord's poor health require him to stay at home, where he receives visitors every day. With Brooksmith's help, Mr. Offord conducts a salon of fascinating men — and a few women — discussing the great art and ideas of the time. While Mr. Offord steers the conversation, it is Brooksmith who chooses which visitors to admit, allowing in only those with great ideas, who would mix well together. Mr. Offord and Brooksmith are not just employer and employee, but the most "intimate" friends. Brooksmith is always on hand to clear up misunderstandings, acting as a moderator and even speaking French to the guests. In turn, it is obvious that Brooksmith enjoys the intellectual stimulation of the fascinating conversations.

Eventually Mr. Offord grows too ill to receive visitors. The narrator still stops...