“But, confound it, I don’t like to. It’s so inhumanly ungrateful.” The frown deepened. “Besides, when this intoxication is off I’ll realize what a lot I’m accepting from you. That house, for instance. You didn’t buy a place of that kind for an investment or for yourself alone. I’m not an absolute ass. You’ll want it all some of these times, and then—”
Slowly Roberts faced about; equally slowly he smiled.
“Would it relieve your mind any,” he finally asked, “if I were to promise to tell you the moment I do want it—all?”
“Yes, a lot.”
“I give you my word then.”
“Thanks. I believe that too; but—”
For the second time Roberts smiled, the smile of finality unquestionable.
“Must we return and go through it all again?” he asked. “It’s after midnight now, but if you wish—” 216
“No; not that either.”
“All right. I’ll send the office-boy around in the morning to help you move. He has nothing else really to do.” Roberts paused at a sudden thought. “By the way, I’ll not be back until a week from to-morrow. Suppose we have a little housewarming, just we four—strangers, that night?” and before the other could answer, before the complex suggestion in its entirety took effect, he was gone.