"Let me tell you, Mr. Winthrope," he pursued; "that business life is a terror to the average man. It has so many ups and downs that I have often wondered how so many succeed through all its uncertainties. I started out as poor as you, and maybe poorer, and have arrived where I am, with many a pain to accompany me. And still they call me successful. Had I to start again, I would pursue a different calling--science, literature, art, or music. These are the things that are a compensation to one's peace of mind. But most people believe it is money. I do not. I did once; but I have passed that period of putting money above everything else. Some will say, no doubt, that it is my view now, since I have got the money. Truly, had I not a cent, I would be of the same opinion. It was my opinion before I accumulated it, and I still cling to that hobby. Still I must continue on acquiring it. Making money is an endless chain proposition. Once you get into its entanglements, you cannot let go--you cannot resist its wonderful influence. Why, I should like to be free from its thralldom; I should like to be as you are, without the worry and the bother that money entails; I would like to exchange places with you, were it possible. But that can never happen, I suppose, so long as I have my present connections. I have often thought that I would like to tear myself away from its engrossments, to be free to go at will; to enjoy life with my wife and daughter in some way that would be to our liking--some way that is different from our present existence. I do not say that I will take up such a life; I may. I did not mean to make this lecture to you, Mr. Winthrope; but as I have made it. I will stand by it." "Still I am in as deep a mystery as ever, Mr. Jarney," said John frankly, and more familiarly than he had ever spoken to him before. "If I were a young man like you, and had my money, I would go to my home--assuming that your home is mine--and there live peacefully the rest of my days," he replied. "Would you suggest that I do it, in my present poverty?" asked John. "No; I am just supposing," he returned. "I cannot suppose anything, Mr. Jarney; I am not in a supposing position." "That is right, Mr. Winthrope, don't suppose anything; always believe it, and then go ahead," he said. "That is what I have attempted to do; but believing a thing and obtaining it are two entirely different matters." "Yes; you are right." He then strode across the room, and returned. "I am shocked at your manner of conduct," he said, looking down upon John. "You have not yet asked about my daughter's health?" "I fully intended to, Mr. Jarney, at the first opportunity of breaking in on our line of conversation," said John. "I am very happy to report she is growing better every hour," said Mr. Jarney, turning on his heel and walking across the room again, and returning, with a freshly lighted cigar in his mouth.