Page:The life and letters of Sir John Henniker Heaton bt. (IA lifelettersofsi00port).pdf/153

 One day many years ago, when H. H. was in the Carlton Club, he was told a strange-looking man was asking for him on important business. He went down to the hall and was told a truly surprising tale of adventure by the stranger, whose name happened to be Louis de Rougemont. H. H. immediately sat down and scribbled the following note to Sir George Newnes:

I am sending you the most interesting man in the world or the biggest liar in the universe—in either case he will be equally useful to you.

Two hours later back came an answer from Sir George Newnes:

You have sent us an angel unawares.

The subsequent history of the Angel unawares is too well known to be rewritten.

Perhaps H. H. realized more fully than anyone how much heart-burning is caused by the neglect of English people to return the hospitality they have received so generously when travelling abroad and in the Colonies. This neglect is more often due to want of thought than deliberate intention. So many people imagine that some one else is sure to be looking after the visitors and they need not concern themselves on their behalf, but H. H. would take personal trouble to make their visit as enjoyable as possible, not only by asking interesting people to meet them but by