He who grins in clown's disguise Often hides an aching heart- Sadness, sometimes worldly-wise, Dresses for a motley part- Cap, and bells to cheat the ears, Chalk and paint to hide the tears Lest the world, divining pain, Turn to gape and stare again.
Mr. Chambers, once a professor of metaphysics, had for the twenty years since his dismissal lived a reclusive, solitary life, only venturing outside his room for his daily walk and cigar. Then one day, inexplicably, he forgot to buy the cigar, the walk took fifteen minutes less.Determined to make sure he doesn't make the same mistake again and miss the street where he buys his daily cigar he sets out the next day. Then the truth hits him - the street isn't there anymore.
A young, independently wealthy traveller (the narrator), who accidentally finds his way into a subterranean, strange world occupied by beings who seem to resemble angels and call themselves Vril-ya.