I had already completed my evening devotions and having filled my soul, had likewise satisfied my belly, when the sound of the bell for the front door sounded through the house. I heard my butler, Hutchinson, move steadily to open the front door and, as I wondered who could be calling at such an hour, I took another sip of my wine.

I'm not one for appearance, but I ran my hand through my hair, getting my fingers tangled for a moment, and tried to rub some life back into my cheeks, prior to the door opening and Hutchinson showing in my good old friend, Mr Utterson.

I was taken completely by surprise by his visit, having not seen him for some months, and all but leapt from my chair, both hands outstretched and shook his hand warmly. I could feel a broad smile stretch my face as I looked at him, doing more to return feeling to my cheeks than any massage.