Casebook of the Black Widowers by Isaac Asimov

Both were of a height - about five feet, five - both had active, inquisitive faces, both had straggly beards, though Larri's was longer and was accompanied by a fringe of hair down either side of his face as well. As he and Rubin stood together, they looked remarkably alike. 'Īvalon smiled as broadly as he could and said, 'You undoubtedly know Manny well enough, sir, not to take him seriously.

The last time he tried, he was fined for contempt of court. This tall gentleman with the neat mustache, black eyebrows, and straight back is Dr. Rubin said, 'I've told you, Larri, that we members all have our ex officio doctorates, so now let me introduce them in nauseating detail. 'Thank you, waiter, and let me have a dry martini, but not too darned dry - a little damp, so to speak. 'A good notion, that,' said Larri, gratefully. 'Pardon me,' said Henry, the perennial - and nonpareil - waiter at the Black Widower banquets, 'but there is not much time for the guest to have his drink before dinner begins. Larri muttered, 'The subway train stalled. ' And in a lowered voice, over the hum of pleased - to - meet - yous, 'Where the hell were you?' 'Gentlemen,' he said, clutching the arm of the newcomer, 'my guest, the Amazing Larri - spelled L - A - R - R - I.

Rubin bounded toward him, careful, however, not to spill a drop of his second drink. It was monthly banquet time for the Black Widowers Rubin was the host, and it was he who was supplying the guest and here it was about twenty minutes after seven and only now - with but ten minutes left before the banquet was to start - only now did his guest arrive. This time, however, the relief was unmistakable. Had one done so, it would have argued a prior feeling of uncertainty or apprehension, sensations he might feel but would certainly never admit to.

Emmanuel Rubin did not, as a general rule, ever allow a look of relief to cross his face.

Casebook of the Black Widowers by Isaac Asimov