The
impertinent police have closed the establishment in the Rue St. Claude!"
"Ah!" exclaimed M. Gaston, striking his brow, "misery! I shall return to
Paris, then, only to die?"
"I would suggest, monsieur," said Gianapolis, tapping him confidentially
upon the breast, "that you periodically visit London in future. The
journey is a short one, and already, I am happy to say, the London
establishment (conducted by Mr. Ho-Pin of Canton--a most accomplished
gentleman, and a graduate of London)--enjoys the patronage of several
distinguished citizens of Paris, of Brussels, of Vienna, and elsewhere."
"You offer me life!" declared M. Gaston, gratefully. "The commoner
establishments, for the convenience of sailors and others of that class,
at Dieppe, Calais,"--he shrugged his shoulders, comprehensively--"are
impossible as resorts. In catering for the true devotees--for those
who, unlike De Quincey, plunge and do not dabble--for those who seek to
explore the ultimate regions of poppyland, for those who have learnt the
mystery from the real masters in Asia and not in Europe--the enterprise
conducted by Madame Jean supplied a want long and bitterly experienced.
I rejoice to know that London has not been neglected"...
"My dear friend!" cried Gianapolis enthusiastically, "no important city
has been neglected! A high priest of the cult has arisen, and from a
parent lodge in Pekin he has extended his offices to kindred lodges in
most of the capitals of Europe and Asia; he has not neglected the Near
East, and America owes him a national debt of gratitude.
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