"Wrapped in some new invention, like enough."
"Those experiments of his must cost him a pretty penny."
"And they bring in no dividends," was the conclusion of John Nicholet.
It was these observations coming to her ear that caused Lorna to seek her father in his den after the guests were gone. She rustled in and perched herself upon the broad arm of his smoking chair and set, as usual, a moist kiss upon the apex of his bald crown.
"A very satisfactory evening—yes, very satisfactory," said John Nicholet. "Let me see. Where was your aunt, child?"
"Headache, daddy. I believe that is more often than not a feminine excuse for escaping a dry-as-dust dinner. I don't blame Aunt Ida. I do think that your business friends' wives are the most unentertaining people!"
"Bless us! Are they? I had no idea. Really, pet, it was a business conference."
"So I gathered," Lorna said. "What was it all about, daddy?"
"Just a scheme for making two dollars grow where only one grew before. And I think it will succeed."
"Without Professor Endicott's cooperation?" she asked.