I'm
surprised Sylvia had the common-sense to realize it. Impulsive sort,
didn't you think, George, who would fly to some fellow because she'd
taken a fancy to him? Phew! Planter plus Blodgett! It'll make her about
the richest girl in America, why not say the world? Some households are
uneasy this morning. Well! When you come down to it, what's the
difference between railroads and mills? Between mines and real estate?
One's about as useful as the others."

"It's revolting," George said.

Wandel glanced over his paper.

"What's up, great man? Nothing of the sort. Blodgett has his points."

"As usual, you don't mean what you say," George snapped.

"But I do, my dear George."

"Blodgett's not like the people he plays with."

"Isn't that a virtue?" Wandel asked. "Perhaps it's why those people like
him."

"But do they really?"

"You're purposely blind if you don't see it," Wandel answered. "Why the
deuce don't you?"

George feared he had let slip too much. With others he would have to
guard his interest closer, and he would delay the final break he had
quite decided upon with Blodgett.

"Just the same," he muttered, ill at ease, preparing to leave, "I'd like
Lambert's opinion."

"You don't fancy this has happened," Wandel said, "without Lambert's
knowing all about it?"

George left without answering. At least he knew. It was simpler,
consequently, to discipline himself. His manner disclosed nothing when
he made the necessary visit to Blodgett. The round face was radiant. The
narrow eyes burned with happiness.

"You're a cagy old Brummell," George said. "I've just seen it in the
paper with the rest of the world. When's it coming off?"

Blodgett's content faded a trifle.

"She says not for a long time yet, but we'll see. Trust Josiah to hurry
things all he can."

"Congratulations, anyway," George said. "You know you're entitled to
them."

But he couldn't offer his hand. With that he had an instinct to tear the
happiness from the other's face.

"You bet I am," Blodgett was roaring. "Any fool can see I'm pleased as
punch."

George couldn't stomach any more of it. He started out, but Blodgett,
rather hesitatingly, summoned him back. George obeyed, annoyed and
curious.

"A good many years ago, George," Blodgett began, "I was a damned idiot.
I remember telling you that when Papa Blodgett got married it would be
to the right girl."

"The convenient girl," George sneered. "Don't you think you're doing