And with these words she went away.
Later Adler came up.
Then Harcourt told him of his wish to go and see his aged mother.
“I cannot wait to write and hear from her. I must fly to see her. I did intend to go to see her within a few days, when I was prevented by that accident that laid me up for nearly three months. I am her only son—her only child, indeed—and she is a widow. I must go and end her suspense,” Harcourt explained.
“Yes, indeed, you must go,” Adler assented.
Then Harcourt told his friend of his wish to dispose of his trunkful of clothing.
And Adler mentioned the name of a second-hand dealer who would give him a fair price.
“That is, as fair as ever they give. You know, whether it is a book or a coat that you want to sell second-hand, they will tell you that they will have to sell it at half price; and to make any profit they can only give you quarter price. I will go with you there to-morrow, at the noon recess.”
Harcourt thanked him, and the appointment was made.
Adler stayed with his friend until nine o’clock, and then left him, with the advice that he should go to bed.