A Court of Inquiry

"A Court of Inquiry" by Grace S. Richmond is a novel written in the early 20th century. It revolves around the lives of several characters who converge at a rural home, interacting through a series of social gatherings. The story is marked by the distinct personalities of the characters, including the amusing Skeptic, the insightful Philosopher, and a variety of female guests with their own unique traits and quirks. At the start of the narrative, the host of the home prepares for a visit from a new guest, Althea, while reflecting on her previous visitors and the personalities they each brought with them. As Althea arrives, her carefree and somewhat chaotic nature disrupts the neatness of the host's home, leading to amusing exchanges with the Skeptic. The reader is introduced to a lively social environment where humor, camaraderie, and the complexities of relationships unfold, setting the stage for further explorations into the dynamics among the guests throughout the rest of the book.