"Oh, no! Your daughter has enabled me to pass the time pleasantly. But I am glad to see you back."
Had Kirby known that Dr. Thorp had had an interview with Dean Dunham, his anxiety would have been excited.
"By the way, Doctor," said Kirby with apparent carelessness, "I have a little money to invest. Can you recommend any form of investment?"
"You might buy a house in the village and settle down. I believe the next estate is for sale."
"It would certainly be an inducement to become your neighbor," said Kirby politely, "but I am a rolling stone. I am always traveling. I couldn't content myself in any one place, not even in a large city."
"I suspect your mode of life makes frequent removals necessary," thought Dr. Thorp, though he did not say so.
"Well, if you don't care to invest in real estate," he said a moment later, "you might purchase government bonds or railroad securities."
"To which do you give the preference?" asked Kirby.
The doctor smiled inwardly. He saw that Kirby was trying to ascertain whether he had any negotiable securities in his possession, but he was ready to play into his hands.