“I dunno,” he said absently.

“Mr. Skidder told me that he would double his invested capital in a year,” she said.

206

“I guess he was bragging.”

“Perhaps,” she rejoined, laughing, “but I should not care to make such an investment.”

“Did he ask you?”

“No. But it seemed to me that he hinted at something of that nature. And I was not at all interested because I am contented with my little investments and my income as it is. I don’t really need much money.”

Mr. Pawling’s pendulous lip, released, sagged wetly and his jet-black eyebrows were lifted in a surprised arch.

“You’re the first person I ever heard say they had enough money,” he remarked.

“But I have!” she insisted gaily.