.

AN UNPLEASANT MEETING.
It was a quarter past eleven and the theatres were disgorging their usual nightly crowds.

The most human thoroughfare in any of the world's great cities was at its best and brightest.

Everywhere commissionaires were blowing their whistles, the streets were thronged with slowly-moving vehicles, the pavements were stirring with life.

The little crowd which had gathered in front of the chemist's shop was swept away.