“I feel an interest in him on that account,” said Melville, seriously. “If at any time I could become as strong and stalwart I would willingly surrender one-half, nay nine-tenths of my fortune. Ill health is a great drag upon a man; it largely curtails his enjoyments, and deprives him of all ambition.”
“I don't see why his remedy wouldn't work well in your case, Mr. Melville,” said Herbert, earnestly.
“Perhaps it may. At any rate, I feel inclined to try it. I am glad the colonel is going to travel with us, as I shall be able to question him about the details of his cure. He seems a bluff, genial fellow, and though I don't expect to enjoy his companionship much, I hope to derive some benefit from it.”
“By the way, Mr. Melville, I met an old acquaintance while I was out walking,” said Herbert.
“Hardly--he was wheeling a barrow of vegetables.”
“I am not surprised at that; I thought it time for him to be out of money. Did you lend him?”
“No; I found he wanted money to buy a lottery ticket. I told him I wouldn't lend money to my best friend for that purpose.”
“If he had been in distress, I might have let him have a few dollars, notwithstanding he treated me so meanly at Wayneboro, but he seems to be earning a living.”
“I presume he doesn't enjoy the business he is in?”
“No; he complains that he has lowered himself by accepting such a place.”
“It doesn't occur to him that he lowered himself when he stole money from his father, I suppose.”
Later in the day Herbert came across Col. Warner in the corridor of the hotel.
“Ha! my young friend!” he said, affably. “I am glad to meet you.”
“No change since morning,” answered Herbert, slightly smiling.
“By the way, Herbert--your name is Herbert, isn't it--may I offer you a cigar?” said Col. Warner.
The colonel opened his cigar-case and extended it to Herbert.
“Don't smoke? That is, you don't smoke cigars. May I offer you a cigarette?”
“Indeed, remarkable! Why, sir, before I was your age I smoked.”
“Do you think it good for consumption?” asked Herbert.
“Ha, ha, you have me there! Well, perhaps not. Do you know,” said the colonel, changing the conversation, “I feel a great interest in your friend.”
“'Upon my soul, I do. He is a most interesting young man. Rich, too! I am glad he is rich!”