‘And then? Why, take it, and be happy,’ answered Rex with a careless smile, as though the rule were simple enough.
‘That is soon said,’ replied Greif in a grave tone. ‘I want what no man can give me.’
‘Nor woman either?’
‘Nor woman either.’ ‘And something you could not take if it were before you, within reach?’
‘No. I want nothing material. I want to know the future.’
‘Surely that is not a very hard thing,’ answered Rex, looking at his watch.
‘It must be dinner-time,’ said Greif politely, as he noticed the action. He had no wish to detain his new acquaintance.
‘Indeed, it is just noon. I fear I have kept you from some engagement.’
‘I assure you, it has given me the greatest pleasure to meet you,’ answered Greif, holding out his hand.
‘The pleasure has been quite upon my side,’ returned Rex, bowing with alacrity.