"Perhaps happier than a millionaire. I have known millionaires who were weighed down by cares, and were far from happy."
Fred listened respectfully, but like most boys of his age found it impossible to understand how a very rich man could be otherwise than happy.
At this point Mr. John Wainwright entered the room.
"Good evening, my boy!" he said cordially. "I won't apologize for being late, as my uncle has no doubt entertained you."
"Yes, sir; he was just telling me that millionaires are sometimes unhappy."
"And you did not believe him?"
"I think I should be happy if I were worth a million."
"You might feel poorer than you do now. I knew a millionaire once—a bachelor—who did not venture to drink but one cup of coffee at his breakfast (he took it at a cheap restaurant) because it would involve an added expenditure of five cents."
"Was he in his right mind, sir?"
"I don't wonder you ask. I don't think a man who carries economy so far is quite in his right mind. However, he was shrewd enough in his business transactions. But now tell me something about yourself. Are you alone in the world?"