Clarence Rook

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1899 edition. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER XXII HOLY MATRIMONY A Dishevelled London. A London that had gone late to bed, and was yet scarcely fit to be seen. A London that blinked at me with eyes but half open. Such was the London that faced me as I waited for the omnibus that should convey me to Westminster, whence another would pass me on to the turning which led to the church whither I was bound. For it was the morning of Boxing day. Christmas day was over; so much you could see by the orange peel; and Boxing day was not yet really begun. A strong wind was blowing; not a cold wind, but a wind that sought out every stray piece of paper, and made it caper and dance and twirl. The street was empty but for myself; the shops were shuttered; and it was altogether rather depressing, until the omnibus lumbered up, and the driver, slowing down, from mere force of habit, lashed the window with his whip. At present I was the only passenger. The conductor clambered on to the roof to take my fare. When he had given me my ticket, he stood for a few moments contemplating the back of the driver. "Bangkoldy, Bill, Bangkoldy! Well, it fair knocks me," he said, jerking his head backwards, with the air of one who finds fortune fall below his hopes. "Bit off, eh ?" said the driver, looking over his shoulder. We were not a cheerful party. We had some difficulty, too, in keeping our hats on. "Blows like rain," I remarked. The conductor was swinging himself down again, but he halted on his way, and put a red face over the rail--a face designed for cheerfulness, but depressed by circumstances. "Seems to me," he said, "the majority of people I've sin this mornin' wouldn't be much worse for a dash of cold water." "I'm just going to see a friend married," I said; "I hope the rain will hold off....

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