“I’ve had that couch fifty years, and it feels like a map of Macedonia. Do you suppose that haircloth can be bought nowadays?”
“I don’t believe so.”
“Well, I’m going to take a sample and find out.” Kneeling, he clipped away a little triangle. He put it in his pocket, kissed her good-by, and went down to the pier. There lay the Kittiwake.
“Marvin, I wish to go to town.”
“I was just coming up, sir, to ask the favor of your company.”
The doctor stepped aboard, and for some time not a word was said. They ran so lightly over the mirror that they seemed four men. All four were still, shadows fleeting between two heavens.
“Dr. Rich, last evening I proposed and was refused.”
“Naturally. I warned you that you must give her time. Under the circumstances, I don’t think you had better leave us today.”
“I’m not intending to leave. May I ask at what price you value your estate?”
“Three thousand.”