A clerk announced through a speaking-tube that someone wanted the banker. The conventional, “Ask him to wait one minute,” warned Power that this was no hour for gossip.
“I can have some money now?” he inquired.
“As much as you like.”
“May I ask—I am a child in these matters—if good diamonds are obtainable in New York, and what I ought to pay for a ring—an engagement ring?”
“Our diamonds are not cheap; but they are supposed to be the pick of the market. I think you ought to get a perfect ring for a thousand dollars. By the way, there is quite an accumulation of letters here. Leave your address, and they will be packed and sent to your rooms.”
Power wrote a check at the counter, and was given a bundle of notes. He went to a well-known jewelry establishment recommended by the bank manager, and asked to be shown some engagement rings.
“What size, sir?” inquired an attendant.
“Oh, not anything remarkable, but of the best quality.”
“I mean, sir, what size is the lady’s finger?”
Power laughed. He realized that he must come down out of the clouds, and pay heed occasionally to the minor phases of life.