“You are very kind, Mr. Temple,” said Mrs. Leech; “but I hoped that James could still continue to live with us.”
“You can't expect me to live at home all my life,” said James, impatiently.
“Perhaps your husband may be persuaded himself to remove to the city,” said Temple. “I really think he stands in his own light in staying in a small place like this.”
“Just so,” said James, who would have liked nothing better than to live in New York. “There is no society here. I have no boys to associate with in my own position. Why won't you move to New York, father?”
“That requires consideration,” said Squire Leech.
“I should like to talk with you on that subject after supper,” said Temple. “Mrs. Leech, may I ask for another cup of tea?”
When supper was over Squire Leech led the way into the sitting room, and his guest followed. The vista of future wealth which his visitor had opened to him had not been without its effect and he began to make inquiries.
“I suppose,” he said, “there are ways of investing money to good advantage in New York?”
“Most certainly—many ways.”
“Real estate?”