Here, while waiting for my lunch, I sat idly scanning the morning paper and wondering what I should do with the rest of the day; and presently it chanced that my eye caught the announcement of a matinee at the theatre in Sloane Square.

It was quite a long time since I had been at a theatre, and, as the play--light comedy--seemed likely to satisfy my not very critical taste, I decided to devote the afternoon to reviving my acquaintance with the drama.
Accordingly as soon as my lunch was finished, I walked down the Brompton Road, stepped on to an omnibus, and was duly deposited at the door of the theatre.

A couple of minutes later I found myself occupying an excellent seat in the second row of the pit, oblivious alike of my recent disappointment and of Thorndyke's words of warning.
I am not an enthusiastic play-goer.

To dramatic performances I am disposed to assign nothing further than the modest function of furnishing entertainment.

I do not go to a theatre to be instructed or to have my moral outlook elevated.