Preface
London, England
March - 1851
Inch by inch - a needle's eye of light invaded the darkness. It pierced the watchful eye of a figure hunching down in the enclosed space. Slowly, oh so slowly, the person opened the door enough to bear witness.
The view unfolded, a warm glow around the room, the windows rattled from the angry wind outside, and at a corner desk sat a man - writing. Every so often though, the man lost concentration to gaze upon the mirror in front of him. It seemed he cherished his attractive features - his dark, black hair - his brown, piercing eyes - and his aquiline nose. Finally, he grabbed his work and placed it in a bin at a nearby desk. Facing the mirror once again, he adjusted his frock coat while a wicked grin formed on his face.
Very gradually - by degree - the stranger's blood ran cold at watching the spectacle unfold and instantly a connection with the howling madness fostered a desire to let it in. So, this was the author of the successful column on the up-coming Crystal Palace Exhibition, Mr. William Acker. It seems that he has similar qualities to those of the Crystal Palace building over in Hyde Park. The structure is made entirely of glass and one could ponder that it is able to admire itself from every angle, just as Mr. William Acker is now. The moment had arrived to illustrate the first lesson. Opening the crack of the door further and coming out of the darkness as if made of it, the emissary approached William from behind.
Then chillingly close spoke, "I can see your idolization ooze through each of your parts."
William stood there frozen and then slowly turned around. The emissary quickly acted by placing one arm around the throat then clasping a right wrist with the left hand to form a powerful lever. Unable to move or call for assistance, William could only stare at his reflection. Ironically enough, it was the freight on his face and not his normal, comforting one. The emissary noticed clarity and understanding evolve in Mr. Acker's mind as his eyes frantically looked about.
The emissary smiled at the lesson learned - a window burst open - the wind gained entry - then everything was cloaked in darkness.
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