“It shouldn’t be hard to get rid of money if you don’t want it,” Mrs. Bruce ventured.
“But it is. It is the hardest kind of thing. You see, I am limited by my principles. I believe it is morally wrong to receive money without earning it; consequently I cannot give it away, as by doing so I would place the recipient in that position. I believe it is morally wrong to spend on myself money which I have not earned; consequently I can spend only what I conceive to be a reasonable return for my services. Meanwhile, my wealth keeps rolling up.”
“It’s a knotty problem,” said Phyllis. “I think there is only one solution.”
“And that is?—”
“Marry a woman who is a good spender.”
At this moment Grace and Hubert came in from the picture-show together, and the conversation turned to lighter topics. Mrs. Bruce insisted on serving tea and cake, and when Grant found that he must go Phyllis accompanied him to the gate.
“This all seems so funny,” she was saying. “You are a very remarkable man.”
“I think I once passed a similar opinion about you.”
She extended her hand, and he held it for a moment. “I have not changed my first opinion,” he said, as he released her fingers and turned quickly down the pavement.