After lunch Julian relaxed.
He gave himself the indulgence of a call on Mrs. Puce.
He had put her husband on to a good thing or two a year ago now.
They had been great friends, he and the wife.
To-day he was a little anxious as to how she would receive him. Things had altered since they last met. 'He had got engaged a business-like engagement.
But she was very gracious in her welcome. Moreover she was more decorous this afternoon than he remembered her a few months back. He told her about his contemplated coup.
'I'll consult planchette for you,' said she. 'Yes, and I'll let you know to-night.'
She was a pretty woman with rather too high a color. But she grew pale enough now.
'I forgot, though, it's against my principles,' she said. 'I've given up lots of things. I'm much more particular.' Something roused Julian. He spoke masterfully.
'Just this once,' he said, 'Let me know to-night. I may know of something gilt-edged that I won't keep to myself if I hear to-night without fail. No, I won't be refused. I want proof of good-will.'
It was a sunny afternoon, with none of that southeast wind which is the bane of our winter. Julian told his coachman to drive him up to his new farm. The homestead was about five miles out of town in the Mount Pleasant direction.