"Well," said Dick, "as near as I can remember, there's diamonds worked in the carpet, and all the tables and chairs is of gold. They'd be rather hard to set on if it twan't for the velvet cushions."
"Aint you afraid to tell such stories, Mr. Hunter? Mr. Fosdick, you will have to talk to your friend."
"I am afraid it wouldn't do much good, Miss Peyton, if you fail to cure him."
"Mr. Hunter has just been investing in a handsome watch," remarked Clifton, passing his cup for a second cup of coffee.
"Oh, do let me look at it! I dote on watches," said Miss Peyton.
"Certainly," said Dick; and he detached the chain from his button-hole, and passed the watch across the table.
"It's a perfect little love," said Miss Peyton, enthusiastically. "Isn't it, Mrs. Browning?"
"It is very beautiful, certainly," said the landlady. She could not help feeling surprised that Dick, who, it will be remembered, had represented himself at his first visit to be in limited circumstances, and now occupied one of her cheapest rooms, could afford to purchase an article which was evidently so costly.
"Where did you buy it, Mr. Hunter?" asked another boarder.
"I did not buy it at all," said Dick, deciding to let it be known how it came into his possession. "It was given to me."