Fiction > Book editions > London, 1885 - Dynamiter

NEW AEABTAN NIGHTS:
A SECOND SERIES.
THE DYXAMITEE.
PROLOGUE OF THE CIGAR DIVAN.
In the city of encounters, the Bagdad of the West, and, to
be more precise, on the broad northern pavement of Leices-
ter Square, two young men of live- or six-and-twenty met
after years of separation. The first, who was of a very
smooth address and clothed in the best fashion, hesi-
tated to recognise the pinched and shabby air of his
companion.
' AVhat ! ' he cried, ' Paul Somerset ? '
' I am indeed Paul Somerset,' returned the other,
' or what remains of him after a well-deserved experience
of poverty and law. But in you, Challoner, I can per-
ceive no change ; and time may be said, without hyper-
bole, to write no wrinkle on your azure brow.'
'All,' replied Challoner, 'is not gold that glitters.
But we are here in an ill posture for confidences, and
interrupt the movement of these ladies. Let us, if you
please, find a more private corner.'
' If you will allow me to guide you,' replied Somerset,
* I will offer you the best cigar in London.'
And taking the arm of his companion, he led him in
silence and at a brisk pace to the door of a quiet esta-
blishment in Rupert Street, Soho. The entrance was
adorned with one of those gigantic Highlanders of wood
which have almost risen to the standing of antiquities ;
B