The rain was dashing in ...

The rain was dashing in torrents against the window-panes, and the wind sweeping in heavy and fitful gusts along the dreary and deserted streets, as a party of three persons sat over their wine, in that stately old pile which once formed the resort of the Irish Members, in College Green, Dublin, and went by the name of Daly's Clubhouse.
 Charles Lever

Quotes from the same author

No matter how skillfully a man play the game of life, there is but one test of his ability--did he win?
 Charles Lever