After a somewhat strained start of their conversation Stinker tells him that Stiffy Byng, Pinker's betrothed he would like to marry but cannot support on his meagre curate's stipend, would like Bertie to come to Totleigh Towers to do a certain something for her which she will tell him when he gets there. Abhorrent of the place Bertie refuses and Stinker leaves, knocking over a few other things in his wake. Coming back to his flat Bertie sees  Gussie in a cab just about to leave for Paddington Station where he will take the train to Totleigh and tells him Emerald Stoker will be taking the same train, which seems to rather please Gussie, while in the same breath telling him that Madeline Bassett, whom is is engaged to, makes him sick.