“And what are you selling lots for in that part of town?” “Well, really, Miss Bonifield,” said Donald, stammering a little, “we haven’t been selling very many lots—that is, not recently. I will refer you to Mr. Winthrop; he has charge of all such matters, and perhaps he can give you better advice than I can.” “But what do you advise in regard to investments in Waterville?” she asked, abruptly. “Oh, you know we believe in Waterville, Miss Bonifield; we believe it is destined to be one of the greatest cities in the United States. Of course there has not been any marked activity during the past winter, but we are expecting business to open up well, most any time now.” She turned to Winthrop, and seating herself beside his desk, asked him to point out what he considered one of the most desirable corners in Eagle’s Addition. Usually Winthrop prided himself on his ability to make sales of lots, and he was quite willing to sell to anybody rather [197] than the woman by his side. He had been so hard pressed for ready-money during the winter and spring that he had shut himself out, so to speak, from all society, for the reason that he was destitute of even spending money of the most ordinary character. After studying some time, he put his pencil reluctantly down on the map and said: “I consider these lots as desirable as any in Eagle’s Addition.” “And what are you selling them for?” “We are asking $100 a lot,” said he, “but we are not selling any just now, Miss Bonifield, at all.” She looked at the map a few minutes, and then said, “You think these are about the best lots in the Addition, do you?” Winthrop almost inaudibly assented. “Well, no—hardly—Miss Bonifield; the fact is,” he faltered, “we do not care to make any sales at the present time. We are rather expecting some information a little later; we—we expect to hold a Town Company meeting, and may conclude to reduce the price of lots—and—” “Or you may raise the prices,” said she, looking archly at Homer. “Is it not so.” “P—possibly,” replied Winthrop. “Well, I wish to purchase four lots on the corner you have indicated. Here is the money,” said she, laying down a roll of bills on his desk, “please fix up the deed and leave it at the hotel for me as soon as it is convenient.” “But—hold on,” said Homer. She had risen and started toward the door. “You do not mean to make a purchase of lots? I really have not advised it; you’d better reconsider—think it over a few days.” All of this was stammered out by Winthrop in a hurried and confused manner. “But I have [198] considered,” said Miss Virginia Bonifield, smiling in her own imperious way. “I have fully considered, Mr. Winthrop, and desire to make the purchase. Good day.” She was gone. Donald sat looking over his spectacles, while an astonished and amused smile played over his “$10,000 face.” Winthrop looked at the roll of bills spread out before him, and then turning to Marcus Donald, ejaculated, “Thank God, the boom has started!”