Fiction > Book editions > New York, 1885 - Dynamiter

2 PROLOGUE.
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 establishment 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 ; and
across the window-glass, which sheltered the
usual display of pipes, tobacco, and cigars,
there ran the gilded legend: "Bohemian
Cigar Divan, by T. Godall." The interior of
the shop was small, but commodious and ornate:
the salesman grave, smiling, and urbane ; and
the two young men, each puffing a select regalia,
had soon taken their places on a sofa of mouse-
colored plush and proceeded to exchange their
stories.
"I am now," said Somerset, "a barrister;
but Providence and the attorneys have hitherto
denied me the opportunity to shine. A select
society at the Cheshire Cheese engaged my
evenings ; my afternoons, as Mr. Godall could
testify, have been generally passed in this
divan ; and my mornings, I have taken the
precaution to abbreviate by not rising before