“Mr. Hathaway, I believe?” was the stranger’s salutation.
“You are correct.”
“Perhaps, if not particularly engaged, you will allow me a few minutes’ conversation with you?”
“Yes, certainly,” was the surprised reply; “though I am at a loss to conjecture what can have brought you here.”
“You are a wealthy man, Mr. Hathaway, and every year increases your possessions. May I ask what is your object in accumulating so much property?”
“This is a very singular question, sir,” said the merchant, who began to entertain doubts as to his visitor’s sanity,—“very singular. I suppose I am influenced by the same motives that actuate other men,—the necessity of providing for my physical wants, and so contributing to my happiness.”
“And this contents you? But your gains are not all devoted to this purpose. This last year, for example, the overplus has amounted to five thousand dollars.”
“I know not where you have gained your information,” said Mr. Hathaway, in surprise. “However, you are right.”
“And what do you intend to do with this?”