The absence of the pipe, for neither had any palate
for tobacco at present, was the only external peculiarity of this
meeting. There seemed no reason why they should not meet
frequently before the parting which would come at Christmas; but
Reardon was in a mood of profound sadness, and several times
spoke as if already he were bidding his friend farewell.
'I find it difficult to think,' he said, 'that you will always
struggle on in such an existence as this. To every man of mettle
there does come an opportunity, and it surely is time for yours
to present itself. I have a superstitious faith in "Mr Bailey."
If he leads you to triumph, don't altogether forget me.'
'Don't talk nonsense.'
'What ages it seems since that day when I saw you in the library
at Hastings, and heard you ask in vain for my book! And how
grateful I was to you! I wonder whether any mortal ever asks for
my books nowadays? Some day, when I am well established at
Croydon, you shall go to Mudie's, and make inquiry if my novels
ever by any chance leave the shelves, and then you shall give me
a true and faithful report of the answer you get.
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