"The Gates of Chance" by Van Tassel Sutphen is a novel likely written during the early 20th century. The story begins to unfold in a vibrant New York City, centering around the character Winston Thorp, who unexpectedly receives an invitation to visit a mysterious Mr. Esper Indiman. As Thorp navigates his circumstances of diminished means and social obligations, the narrative hints at deeper themes of intrigue and chance that bind the characters together. At the start of the book, the protagonist, Winston Thorp, is unexpectedly thrust into an evening filled with intrigue after a calling card from Mr. Esper Indiman is thrust into his hand amidst the chaos of New York's streets. Despite his initial reluctance, Thorp decides to visit Indiman, hoping to understand the enigmatic invitation and its implications. Along the way, he encounters a variety of characters, including Jeckley, a newspaper man who adds a layer of curiosity to the unfolding events. The incident sets the stage for a deeper exploration of self-discovery, social connections, and the unpredictable nature of life that Sutphen artfully constructs throughout the narrative. (This is an automatically generated summary.)