'
We arranged the hour and parted. I saw him walk into a low
public-house, and went home.
At the time appointed, I rang the bell, and was led by an elderly
woman up the stair, and shown into a large room on the
first-floor--poorly furnished, and with many signs of
bachelor-carelessness. Mr. Falconer rose from an old hair-covered
sofa to meet me as I entered. I will first tell my reader something
of his personal appearance.
He was considerably above six feet in height, square-shouldered,
remarkably long in the arms, and his hands were uncommonly large and
powerful. His head was large, and covered with dark wavy hair,
lightly streaked with gray. His broad forehead projected over
deep-sunk eyes, that shone like black fire. His features,
especially his Roman nose, were large, and finely, though not
delicately, modelled. His nostrils were remarkably large and
flexile, with a tendency to slight motion: I found on further
acquaintance that when he was excited, they expanded in a wild
equine manner. The expression of his mouth was of tender power,
crossed with humour. He kept his lips a little compressed, which
gave a certain sternness to his countenance: but when this sternness
dissolved in a smile, it was something enchanting. He was plainly,
rather shabbily clothed. No one could have guessed at his
profession or social position. He came forward and received me
cordially. After a little indifferent talk, he asked me if I had
any other engagement for the evening.
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