The circumstances prompting this visit are unpleasant. Rennick has just murdered his butler, Baines. The butler had stolen letters and then tried to blackmail him, so Rennick bashed him in the head with a poker. Now he wants his friend and attorney to hide him, or he will kill him too. Samson agrees, but nearly levels his old chum by explaining that while in hiding he will have to do his own laundry, cooking, and serving. Clearly, Rennick hadn't considered all of the ramifications of murdering his butler.