"I have no cause for complaint," said his brother-in-law, "especially now."
"What does he mean by 'especially now?'" thought the merchant.
"I am glad to hear it," he said, aloud.
Arrived at the house in Twelfth street—it was a plain brick house of three stories—dinner was found to be awaiting, and as they sat down at once, there was no opportunity for a private conversation. When the cloth was removed, and they were left to themselves, Walton invited his brother-in-law's confidence by saying, suggestively:
"So business of importance brought you to New York, doctor?"
"Yes, business of great importance!"
"I suppose it seems great to him," thought Walton. "Well," he said aloud, "you have aroused my curiosity. It is only fair to gratify it."
"That is what I propose to do. Let me say, then, that this day has made a great change in me."
"I don't see any change," said Walton, puzzled.