with extraordinary vigour. It has
been stated by Mr. Sherard in his "Life" that the police did not
attempt to execute the warrant against Wilde, "till after the last
train had left for Dover," and that it was only Oscar's obstinacy in
remaining in London that necessitated his arrest. This idea is wholly
imaginary.

It is worth while to know exactly what took place at this juncture.
From Oscar's conduct in this crisis the reader will be able to judge
whether he has been depicted faithfully or not in this book. He has
been described as amiable, weak, of a charming disposition--easily led
in action, though not in thought: now we shall see how far we were
justified, for he is at one of those moments which try the soul.
Fortunately every incident of that day is known: Oscar himself told
me generally what happened and the minutest details of the picture
were filled in for me a little later by his best friend, Robert Ross.

In the morning Mr. Mathews, one of Oscar's counsel, came to him and
said: "If you wish it, Clarke and I will keep the case going and give
you time to get to Calais."

Oscar refused to stir. "I'll stay," was all he would say. Robert Ross
urged him to accept Mathew's offer; but he would not: why? I am sure
he had no reason, for I put the question to him more than once, and
even after reflecting, he had no explanation to give. He stayed
because to stay was easier than to make an immediate decision and act
on it energetically. He had very little will power to begin with and
his mode of life had weakened his original endowment.

After the judgment had been given in favour of Queensberry, Oscar
drove off in a brougham, accompanied by Alfred Douglas, to consult
with his solicitor, Humphreys. At the same time he gave Ross a cheque
on his bank in St. James's Street. At that moment he intended to fly.

Ross noticed that he was followed by a detective. He drew about L200
from the bank and raced off to meet Oscar at the Cadogan Hotel, in
Sloane Street, where Lord Alfred Douglas had been staying for the past
four or five weeks. Ross reached the Cadogan Hotel about 1.45 and
found Oscar there with Reggie Turner. Both of them advised Oscar to go
at once to Dover and try to get to France; but he would only say, "the
train has gone; it is too late." He had again lapsed into inaction.

He asked Ross to go to see his wife and tell her what had occurred.
Ross did this and had a very painful scene: Mrs. Wilde wept and sai