Mr. Colwell, busy with several important deals, did not follow closely the fluctuations in the price of Manhattan Electric Light, Heat & Power Company 5s. The fact that there had been any change at all was made clear to him by Mrs. Hunt. She called a few days after her first visit, with perturbation written large on her face. Also, she wore the semi-resolute look of a person who expects to hear unacceptable excuses. “Good morning, Mr. Colwell.” “How do you do, Mrs. Hunt? Well, I hope.” “Oh, I am well enough. I wish I could say as much for my financial matters.” She had acquired the phrase from the financial reports which she had taken to reading religiously every day. “Why, how is that?” “They are 95 now,” she said, a trifle accusingly. “Who are _they_, pray, Mrs. Hunt?” in surprise. “The bonds. I saw it in last night’s paper.” Mr. Colwell smiled. Mrs. Hunt almost became indignant at his levity. “Don’t let that worry you, Mrs. Hunt. The bonds are all right. The market is a trifle dull; that’s all.” “A friend,” she said, very slowly, “who knows all about Wall Street, told me last night that it made a difference of $1,000 to me.” “So it does, in a way; that is, if you tried to sell your bonds. But as you are not going to do so until they show you a handsome profit, you need not worry. Don’t be concerned about the matter, I beg of you. When the time comes for you to sell the bonds I’ll let you know. Never mind if the price goes off a point or two. You are amply protected. Even if there should be a panic I’ll see that you are not sold out, no matter how low the price goes. You are not to worry about it; in fact, you are not to think about it at all.” “Oh, thanks, ever so much, Mr. Colwell. I didn’t sleep a wink last night. But I knew——” A clerk came in with some stock certificates and stopped short. He wanted Mr. Colwell’s signature in a hurry, and at the same time dared not interrupt. Mrs. Hunt thereupon rose and said: “Well, I won’t take up any more of your time. Good morning, Mr. Colwell. Thanks ever so much.” “Don’t mention it, Mrs. Hunt. Good morning. You are going to do very well with those bonds if you only have patience.” “Oh, I’ll be patient now that I know all about it; yes, indeed. And I hope your prophecy will be fulfilled. Good morning, Mr. Colwell.”