"Good business all round," he commented, "although I must admit I'm surprised Sylvia had the common-sense to realize it. Impulsive sort, didn't you think, George, who would fly to some fellow because she'd taken a fancy to him? Phew! Planter plus Blodgett! It'll make her about the richest girl in America, why not say the world? Some households are uneasy this morning. Well! When you come down to it, what's the difference between railroads and mills? Between mines and real estate? One's about as useful as the others." "It's revolting," George said. Wandel glanced over his paper. "What's up, great man? Nothing of the sort. Blodgett has his points." "As usual, you don't mean what you say," George snapped. "But I do, my dear George." "Blodgett's not like the people he plays with." "Isn't that a virtue?" Wandel asked. "Perhaps it's why those people like him." "But do they really?" "You're purposely blind if you don't see it," Wandel answered. "Why the deuce don't you?" George feared he had let slip too much. With others he would have to guard his interest closer, and he would delay the final break he had quite decided upon with Blodgett. "Just the same," he muttered, ill at ease, preparing to leave, "I'd like Lambert's opinion." "You don't fancy this has happened," Wandel said, "without Lambert's knowing all about it?" George left without answering. At least he knew. It was simpler, consequently, to discipline himself. His manner disclosed nothing when he made the necessary visit to Blodgett. The round face was radiant. The narrow eyes burned with happiness. "You're a cagy old Brummell," George said. "I've just seen it in the paper with the rest of the world. When's it coming off?" Blodgett's content faded a trifle. "She says not for a long time yet, but we'll see. Trust Josiah to hurry things all he can." "Congratulations, anyway," George said. "You know you're entitled to them." But he couldn't offer his hand. With that he had an instinct to tear the happiness from the other's face. "You bet I am," Blodgett was roaring. "Any fool can see I'm pleased as punch." George couldn't stomach any more of it. He started out, but Blodgett, rather hesitatingly, summoned him back. George obeyed, annoyed and curious. "A good many years ago, George," Blodgett began, "I was a damned idiot. I remember telling you that when Papa Blodgett got married it would be to the right girl." "The convenient girl," George sneered. "Don't you think you're doing it?" "Now see here, George. None of that. You forget it. I'm sorry I ever thought or said such stuff. You get it through your head just what this is--plain adoration." He sprang to his feet in an emotional outburst that made George writhe. "I don't see why God has been so good to me." XIII