The weird appearance and eccentric behavior of Mrs. Hall’s guest earned him the displeasure of everyone. Mystery shrouded his background, his profession and his purpose of coming to Iping. People went around trying to gather information about this mysterious stranger.

Mrs. Hall, who was apparently closest to him, was least interested in getting rid of such a well-paying guest. So, she spoke in his defense and told people that by profession he was an ‘experimental investigator’ who kept himself occupied in conducting scientific experiments. She also stood up for him when people questioned regarding his weird appearance, she explained that the poor man had gone through a nasty accident that had temporarily discolored his face and hands. This, she explained, necessitated the constant use of gloves, bandages and enormous goggles. She added that being a sensitive person, he tried to avoid the scrutinizing looks of the people around him and did not venture outdoors without concealing his face.

The strong support of Mrs. Hall for the stranger showed that she was earnestly performing her duty as his hostess. Although her decision to retain him as her guest was influenced by the good