The colonel opened his cigar-case and extended it to Herbert.
“Thank you, sir, but I don't smoke.”
“Don't smoke? That is, you don't smoke cigars. May I offer you a cigarette?”
“I don't smoke at all, colonel.”
“Indeed, remarkable! Why, sir, before I was your age I smoked.”
“Do you think it good for consumption?” asked Herbert.
“Ha, ha, you have me there! Well, perhaps not. Do you know,” said the colonel, changing the conversation, “I feel a great interest in your friend.”
“You are very kind.”
“'Upon my soul, I do. He is a most interesting young man. Rich, too! I am glad he is rich!”
“He would value health more than money,” said Herbert.