“That’s enough; with what I have we can go ahead. In less than a year I propose that that amount shall bring you in twenty-five thousand. Not so bad, eh?”
“I trust to your prudence; I understand very little about business, but I should not want to risk my fortune.”
“Oh! never fear, my friend; when it comes to prudence, I am a regular serpent! Besides, what about myself? do you suppose that I mean to risk my own money?—When will you be able to obtain the cash?”
“To-morrow.”
“Bring it when you come to dinner.”
“Certainly.”
“That’s settled; the receipt will be all ready, for everything must be done in due form.—My dear fellow, you are growing fat; you look delightfully well.”
“Do you think so? The fact is that I feel a little tired to-day.”
“Faith, it doesn’t show. You’re a hearty buck! How old are you? Not more than twenty-two, surely?”
“Almost twenty-seven.”