The period of this story is 1940. The book begins: Mervyn Amory, although he had been one of the first to obey the summons of the uniformed attendant with his clanging bell, found the restaurant car of the Blue Train practically full. The head waiter, who knew him by sight, ushered him to a table for two, occupied by one other man. A close shave! the newcomer exclaimed, as he seated himself. I had no idea that the train was so full. People seem to hide themselves in these small compartments.