"Oh, do not speak of trouble! There will be none, I assure you," said Alden, pleasantly.
"You are very good to say so, at all events."
"What day would it suit you to go on?" inquired Alden.
"Any day this week—whenever it will be convenient to you. I am the obliged party and should consider your convenience."
"Not by any means! Any day this week would suit me equally. So I beg that you will please yourself alone."
"No."
"Let me be frank with you then and prove how little it really would matter to me whether we go to-morrow or any day thereafter. I have to select and fit up a law office, and I have to select and purchase a law library; and I do not care in the least which I do first," said Alden, with earnest politeness.
"Then, if it really is a matter of indifference to you, I think we will go to Philadelphia on Wednesday morning."
"Very well. I will make my arrangements accordingly. This is Monday night. We have one intervening day. Where shall I call for you on Wednesday morning?"
"You need not call. I will meet you on the Washington boat."