“I am afraid I'll have to ask you to tell me what you consider the most difficult thing in the world.”
Brokers have to earn their money in more complicated ways than by shouting “Sold!” or “Take it!” on the floor of the Stock Exchange. They have to listen to potential customers.
“The most difficult thing in the world, Mr. George B. Richards, is for a man to give money—in cash—to a woman who is not his wife or his mistress or a blood-relation or a pauper!”
“That is difficult!” acquiesced the broker.
“It is what I have to do. That is why I am here.”
“You mean you wish us to give this money—”
“No—no! How can you, pray, give money to a lady any better than I?”
“I wondered,” said Richards, patiently. He was beginning to fear that Robison might be one of those mysterious people out of whom no money is to be made.
“Would you mind hearing my story?” Mr. Robison looked at Richards pleadingly.
“Not at all,” politely lied the broker.