"My dear Lorimer," answered Philip, who could conceal his feelings no longer, "you see me to-day in an indescribable state of excitement. In a few moments, I may hear that I am a rich man."
"You don't say so," said Lorimer, amazed; "an old uncle about to depart this life?"
"No," said Philip; "my work, my very own work is perhaps on the point of making me wealthy. For months past, night and day so to speak, I have been working" ...
"At a great picture," interrupted Lorimer.
"At an invention."
"Nonsense! take care. You will die in the workhouse."
"Not at all, old fellow," said Philip; "there are two kinds of inventors, those who seek and those who discover. I have discovered."
"What have you discovered, dear friend?" said Lorimer, more and more surprised.
"A shell that may revolutionise the art of warfare. A Special Commission is now sitting at the War Office in Paris, to discuss its merits. I am awaiting their decision. I shall get a telegram to-day, perhaps in a few moments. I offered my shell to the English Government, but they declined it."
"Are you speaking seriously?"