The street door opened, and Christopher went into the store. "Good evening, Mr. Sparhawk," said he. "Good evening," said Mr. Sparhawk in his perky little way. "I hope I find you very well, Christopher." "Quite," said Christopher. "Never better, indeed." "And prosperous, too, I trust." The little apothecary moved his hand toward his store of dried plants. "The fields," said he, "and the roadsides and thickets and stream margins have never in my day given themselves so completely to medicinal production. During the spring and summer the earth teemed with curative power, and I harvested abundantly." Mr. Sparhawk rubbed his hands with satisfaction. "Excellent," said he. "I am delighted to hear it. And, I think," said he, wisely, "I see the law of compensation at work in what you say; if nature brings us a sickly season such as we've seen of late she makes up for it in her lavish gifts of healing agents. Nature is remarkable," and Mr. Sparhawk wagged his head, "and the more minutely she is studied, the more remarkable she becomes." The apothecary agreed to this readily enough, and advanced testimony containing instances proving how really remarkable she was. "And that you are prospering, Christopher," said Mr. Sparhawk, halting the testimony at the first opportunity, "is gratifying. But," and he looked about with his lips pursed primly, "to have fat stores is one thing, and custom is another. I hope trade is active with you." Christopher nodded, and Mr. Sparhawk, much pleased, nodded in return. "Excellent!" said he. "That is good. Of course, in a profession such as yours,--and a most interesting and necessary profession,--custom must be active if one's income is to retain a proper level." "Usually that is true," said Christopher. "But," and he beamed through his spectacles, "just now I am not forced to depend upon my trade alone." "Ah!" Mr. Sparhawk looked both surprised and expectant. "I see. You have other sources of revenue, then?" "Yes," said Christopher. "Lodgers." "Lodgers!" Mr. Sparhawk now looked more surprised than ever. "So you have taken in lodgers?" Christopher pointed toward the ceiling. "Two of them," he said. "French people." "Two Frenchmen," said Mr. Sparhawk. "Well, well!" "One Frenchman, and his daughter," Christopher informed him. "The name is Lafargue." "I have heard of them," nodded Mr. Sparhawk. "Quite genteel people, I think; and the father is engaged in a commercial way with some one in the city. So they are lodged in your house? Well, well, I am glad to hear it. You have been too much alone this long time, Christopher; and that is not good for a man. Now, these people will not only add to your income, but they'll give you someone to chat with. That will be a pleasure. For I suppose," and Mr. Sparhawk smiled agreeably at the little apothecary, "you do chat together?" "I have spoken with them," said Christopher.