“Well, now, darlin’—that is to say, Miss Jean Winifred Rich—my judgment may be poor, but consider. Look at that object out there in the water. It has a hundred pines worth thirty dollars apiece as they stand, and a hundred more worth half as much. You are selling valuable timber, and harbors, and wonderful views, and easy access to transportation. You are selling a perfect site for a summer home.”
“I’m not selling anything, Mr. Mahan, but I’d like to ask if you wish to build a summer home.”
“Nothing could please me more, but I am not buying for myself.”
“Whom are you buying for?”
“I am not at liberty to say.”
“What is it likely to be used for?”
He gazed off toward the island, which lay in detailed perfection under the cloudy light. It was unimprovable beauty. Not one fairy foreland or one spray of pine ought to be changed.
“I don’t know exactly, but it is composed of pure silica.”
“What is silica used for?”
“Silica is used in making glass, porcelain, grindstones, soaps, textiles, polishing-powders, and polishing-wheels.”