“Damn the town and everybody in it! There is not another such spot on the face of the earth.”
Evidently Lester did not find being an outcast agreeable, and he viewed himself as an injured individual, since his behavior had offended no one, until his riches were gone. Philip passed his hand through Lester's arm and led him down the path.
“You go home and when morning comes, bringing with it a clear head, think it over and arrive at the only sensible conclusion within your reach... to go it straight and steady.”
“Do you think I am soft to unburden myself to you like this?” Lester asked.
“My dear boy, I regard you as the opposite of soft.”
On their entering the town, Lester reverted to his former silence and Philip, commenting on the change, thought: “It was the enlivening associations of the tomb that made him talkative.” Neither spoke until they separated in front of Lester's home. Then Philip said: “Good night, don't worry, it won't help you in the least.”
“Good night.”
“If you should happen to want some one to discuss your affairs with, look me up. I shall always be at your service.”
“Thanks,—I will.”
Lester turned from the gate by which he had been standing and went toward the house. Philip followed him with a sympathetic glance.