As the question of style was very important, it was decided we should _both_ write Chapter One, and then, after comparing the two attempts, arrange our further procedure accordingly.
So I with a J pen, and Harry with a D retired to opposite corners of the room and plunged headlong into the "Theft of Alicia." It was a hard morning's work, and by the time the breakfast-bell rang we were both getting the steam up.

The sight of Aunt Sarah brooding over the tea- tray had but one meaning for us, and Sister Alice's pretty face and soft voice spoke to me only of that baby I had left in my chapter lying on the seat in the square.
"Now, little boys, are you going to play on the beach to-day ?" said the villain, as the meal concluded.
"No, aunt," said Harry.

"Syd and I have got some work we are doing." "What work ?" demanded Aunt Sarah.
"English composition," said Harry boldly.
And under cover of this truthful announcement we escaped.
It was midday before I laid down my pen and gathered my scattered sheets together.

Harry had been done before me, but he had only written eleven sheets, so our pace was about equal.
"Done ?" said he, as I sat back in my chair.
"Yes; lock the door," said I.
I must beg the reader's pardon if I do not lay before them the whole of the two lucubrations.

They must be content with a few impartially chosen selections.
My chapter began with a poetical description of London in early morning.
"London in the morning! What a scene! The whistle of the workmen's trains sounds, and the noise of vegetable carts going to Covent Garden Market, give the place an animated appearance.