The micro setting is the boss’s office. The narrative takes place within the confines of the office, which is filled with materialistic comforts (such as a new carpet, new furniture, electric heating, and an expensive bottle of whiskey). Woodifield describes the office as “very snug.” It becomes clear that the office is snug like a coffin, for it is where the boss is trapped. Other characters in the story, such as Woodifield and Macey, move in and out of the space, but the boss never does.

The macro setting is London, six years after the death of the boss’s son. It is not specified whether the son died at the beginning, middle, or end of World War I. Therefore, the narrative takes place sometime between 1920 and 1924. The impact of the post-war period is evident in the boss’s refusal to dilute the alcohol he offers Woodifield, a practice made popular during wartime.

Mansfield uses figurative language to describe her characters and characterize their relationships. For example, Mr. Woodifield is first introduced sitting in an armchair, looking out at his boss’s office “as a baby peers out of its pram” (74).