"How is business now?" asked Mr. Parker.
"Very brisk; I am so busy that, rain or shine, it never seems dull to me."
"You haven't as many customers in."
"No; but then I get a little ahead in my work, and that is something gained. Rain or shine, friend Parker, it's all the same to me."
"That is, certainly, a very comfortable state of mind to be in. I find a rainy day hard to get through."
"I don't think I would, if I were in your place," said the old acquaintance. "If I could do no better, I would lie down and sleep away the time."
"And remain awake half the night in return for it. No; that won't do. To lie half-asleep and half-awake for three or four hours makes one feel miserable."
The hatter thought this a very strange admission. He did not believe that, if he could afford to live without work, he would find even rainy days hang heavy upon his hands.
"Why don't you read?"
"I do read all the newspapers—that is, two or three that I take," replied Parker; "but there is not enough in them for a whole day."