“It’s wonderful,” said Fred. “And I always thought you rather a half-baked lump of dough.”
“Not more wonderful than your own success. What a blessing it is, Fred, that you have come home without wanting to borrow any money”—he watched his brother’s face: he saw a cloud as of doubt or anxiety pass over it, and he smiled. “Not that I could lend you any if you did want it—with my expensive establishment. Still, it is a blessing and a happiness, Fred, to be able to think of you as the Head—I believe you said the Head—of the great and prosperous Firm of Barlow & Co.” Fred’s face distinctly lengthened. “I suppose I must not ask a business man about his income?”
“Hardly—hardly. Though, if any man—— But—I have a partner who would not like these private affairs divulged.”
“Well, Fred, I’m glad to see you back again—I am indeed.”
They shook hands once more, and then, for some unknown reason, they were seized with laughter, long and not to be controlled.
“Distinguished lawyer,” murmured Fred, when the laugh had subsided with an intermittent gurgle.
“Influential man of business,” said Christopher. “Oh! Ho, Lord!” cried he, wiping his eyes, “it brings back the old times when we used to laugh. What a lot we had to laugh at! The creditors and the duns—you remember?”
“I do. And the girls—and the suppers! They were good old times, Chris. You carried on shameful.”
“We did—we did. It’s pleasant to remember, though.”
“Chris, I’m thirsty.”