Let me gaze down the vista of the tristful past. Ah there are things that cannot be uttered; there are scenes that still entrance me, and incidents so unexpected and terrible that they cause me even now to hold my breath in horror. The prologue of this extraordinary drama of London life was enacted three years ago; its astounding denouement occurred quite recently. During those three weary, anxious years the days have glided on as they glide even with those who suffer most, but alas I have the sense of having trodden a veritable Via Dolorosa during a century, the tragedy of my life, with its ever-present sorrow, pressing heavily upon me perpetually."