"H'm. I should think that's the chief matter to be considered. And you won't tell me what the other speculation is?"
"I'm going to lend a friend some money, but I don't wish to go into detail."
The old man looked at him shrewdly.
"Very well," he said presently. "I'll let you have the cash. Could you manage to look in at the office to-morrow at mid-day?"
This was arranged, and Waymark rose, but Mr. Woodstock motioned to him to resume his seat.
"As we're talking," he began, "I may as well have over something that's on my mind. Why haven't you told Ida yet about that engagement of yours?"
"Haven't you done so?" Waymark asked, in surprise.
"Did you think I had?"
"Why, yes, I did."
"I've done nothing of the kind," Abraham returned, pretending to be surprised at the supposition, though he knew it was a perfectly natural one.