“Beginning a new life from the ground up,” said he, and added, with a glance at the great bronze doors, “Isn't this a wonderful place?”
“Yes, it was intended for a mammoth safe where reputations could be stored and embellished and kept, but it didn't work.”
“They cracked it and got away with the reputations,” said he, with a smile.
“Exactly! In my opinion every man should have his own private pantheon, and see that his reputation is as strong as the safe. It's the discrepancy that's dangerous. People won't allow a reputation to stay where it does not belong.”
He stepped closer and said, in a confidential tone, “I'm trying to improve mine, and I wish you would help me.”
“How?”
“Come to a little dinner that I am giving and say a good word for me when you can.”
“Are you trying to marry Mrs. Mullet?”
“Yes, I've fallen in love, and, as God's my witness, I'm living honest.”
“Muggs, I'll help you to get a reputation, but I won't help you to get a wife,” I said. “You must get the reputation first, and it will take you a long time. You'll have to try to pay back the money you've taken and keep it up long enough to prove your good faith.”