"The fields," said he, "and the roadsides and thickets and stream margins have never in my day given themselves so completely to medicinal production. During the spring and summer the earth teemed with curative power, and I harvested abundantly."
Mr. Sparhawk rubbed his hands with satisfaction.
"Excellent," said he. "I am delighted to hear it. And, I think," said he, wisely, "I see the law of compensation at work in what you say; if nature brings us a sickly season such as we've seen of late she makes up for it in her lavish gifts of healing agents. Nature is remarkable," and Mr. Sparhawk wagged his head, "and the more minutely she is studied, the more remarkable she becomes."
The apothecary agreed to this readily enough, and advanced testimony containing instances proving how really remarkable she was.
"And that you are prospering, Christopher," said Mr. Sparhawk, halting the testimony at the first opportunity, "is gratifying. But," and he looked about with his lips pursed primly, "to have fat stores is one thing, and custom is another. I hope trade is active with you." Christopher nodded, and Mr. Sparhawk, much pleased, nodded in return. "Excellent!" said he. "That is good. Of course, in a profession such as yours,—and a most interesting and necessary profession,—custom must be active if one's income is to retain a proper level."
"Usually that is true," said Christopher. "But," and he beamed through his spectacles, "just now I am not forced to depend upon my trade alone."
"Ah!" Mr. Sparhawk looked both surprised and expectant. "I see. You have other sources of revenue, then?"
"Yes," said Christopher. "Lodgers."
"Lodgers!" Mr. Sparhawk now looked more surprised than ever. "So you have taken in lodgers?"
Christopher pointed toward the ceiling.