THE WATERSDOWN AFFAIR
By separate invitation, you and a select few others have been invited to Watersdown Mansion as the weekend guests of Sir Roger Watersdown. As Sir Roger's guest, I thought you might be interested in some information about the mansion and, perhaps, about the other guests that will be present during your stay. I have enclosed a brief biography of each guest. Watersdown Mansion is an old, elegant stone building situated in Yorkshire, England, and constructed in 1817. The original owner, Lord Balmy Farfrummit, made his fortune selling English pig iron to the French after Bonaparte's defeat in 1815. Roger Watersdown acquired the entire Farfrummit holdings in 1925 after the tragic death of Viscount Farfrummit aboard his sailing yacht, Frummit's Ferry, which foundered during a fierce storm off Falmouth Harbor. Sir Roger, as you may know, is the principal shareholder of the giant conglomerate Watersdown Beverages Ltd., and known far and wide as a jovial host. Female guests are cautioned that Sir Roger, after consumption of his customary evening cocktails, tends to become something of a lech. I welcome you on behalf of Sir Roger and the entire Watersdown Mansion household, and I hope your stay will be a pleasant one.

CHARACTERS
Dr. Malcom K.T. Praktiss, Miranda T. Shetes, Roger S.B. Astird, Dame Allison Bigh, Prosper Alvin Bates Esq., Donald J. Brooks, Florence Wing Brooks, Eiaguielle R. Aminmund

DR. MALCOLM K. T. PRAKTISS
Dr. Praktiss is a wealthy, well-liked Harley Street physician with a growing reputation as "Healer to the Rich and Famous." He is Sir Roger Waterdown's personal physician and frequent bridge partner at The Gribbley, an exclusive London card club to which they both belong. A charming gentleman with many female friends, he has never married. His close friends call him "Mal."
Costume Suggestion: Doctor's garb, stethoscope, scrub suit.

MIRANDA T. SHETES
A beautiful and talented young American actress, Miranda is becoming known for her maturing talent and classic profile. Critically acclaimed for her portrayal of Miss Hardcastle in She Bends Over to Conquer, a film by Oliver Goldmint, she is becoming quite popular in film circles. This cinematic triumph brought her before the public eye and launched her serious drama career. She is beginning to enjoy the rewards of success and an expanding circle of influential friends. Sir Roger has financed some of her dramatic appearances. To close friends she is known as "Randy."
Costume Suggestion: Sensuous, slinky - low-backed gown and feather boa.

ROGER S. B. ASTIRD
Kidnapped in infancy by his nurse, Roger is Sir Roger's long-lost illegitimate son. He is traveling in Europe studying the architecture and masonry of baronial castles and manors. Though planning to become an architect, he has taken advantage of his stay in Europe to indulge in a favorite hobby, mountain climbing. Sir Roger, having discovered that "Rog" is his son, has made him welcome at Watersdown Mansion. At Watersdown, he is called "Rog" to avoid confusion.
Costume Suggestion: Climber's kit - beret, khaki shorts and shirt, climbing axe and boots.

DAME ALLISON BIGH
A renowned author of English mystery novels, Dame Bigh has enjoyed great popularity and success since her best seller, The Knife Slices Coldly, was published two years ago. Since that time, her writing has been generously praised for its lifelike characterization of the criminal mind. The Dame is a guest at Watersdown to gather material and set the mood for her new book, which is a sequel to The Knife . . .Sir Roger is a great admirer of her work. Dame Bigh is known as "Ali" to close friends.
Costume Suggestion: A long, flowing dress, not too low-cut, dignified but not spinsterish.

PROSPER ALVIN BATES, ESQUIRE
Solicitor Bates is Sir Roger's lawyer, personal advisor and talented golfing companion. His legal practice consists of handling Sir Roger's business affairs and, of course, frequent rounds of golf during which much business is accomplished. He is a director and board member of Watersdown Beverages Ltd. and a frequent guest at Watersdown Mansion. Solicitor Bates' country home, Whole-In-Won, adjoins the Watersdown estate and features a private driving range. By his friends, he is called "Pro."
Costume Suggestion: Vested suit and briefcase or golfer's attire.

DONALD J. BROOKS
Donald is not only Sir Roger's nephew, but at age 35 he has established himself as a successful city banker and brilliant financial strategist. Recently featured in the "People to Watch" section of the influential Banker's Fashion News, Donald is developing a wide range of international associations which are proving quite valuable to his career. Donald and his wife, Florence, are at Watersdown Mansion to discuss a business proposal. In the family Mr. Brooks is known as "Donny."
Costume Suggestion: Businessman's dark gray suit.

FLORENCE WING BROOKS
Heiress to the fortune of the Earl and Lady Wing, both of whom are still living, Florence Brooks is Donald's socialite wife. Incredibly beautiful, Florence was well-known as the "Far Eastern Eye Shadow" girl during her years as a fashion model. Her career ended with her high-society marriage to Mr. Brooks. Since her marriage, Florence and her husband have traveled extensively, many of those trips being to exotic international locales. She exudes a charm and vivaciousness that serve to enhance her husband's thriving business connections. Her parents call her "Flo."
Costume Suggestion: High fashion gown or evening pajamas.

EIAGUIELLE R. AMINMUND
Eiaguielle is Sir Roger's confidential secretary, a highly talented and motivated person. Since the death of Lady Watersdown four years ago, she has often acted as hostess at Watersdown Mansion's weekend parties. She is in charge of virtually all operations at the mansion. Because her name is so long, friends call her "E.R.A."
Costume Suggestion: Dress with lace collar and sleeves; granny glasses; steno notebook; very proper.