"There are people who contend that there is little or none of it in the
world," he added.

"And I am not sure it was meant there should be--much of it, I mean. It
is an emotion--would you call it an emotion?"

"You might," said the Candy Man.

"Well, an emotion that turns to dust and ashes when you try to
experience it, or demand it of others," concluded Miss Bentley with
emphasis. "And you needn't laugh," she added.

The Candy Man disclaimed any thought of such a thing. He was profoundly
serious. "It is really a great idea," he said. "A human agency whose
benefits could be received as we receive those of Nature or
Providence--as impersonally."

She nodded appreciatively. "You understand." And they were both aware
of a sense of comradeship scarcely justified by the length of their
acquaintance.

"May I ask your ideas as to the amount of this fund?" he said.

She considered a moment. "Well, say a hundred thousand," she suggested.

"You are expecting a large bequest, then."

"An income of five thousand would not be too much," insisted Miss
Bentley. "We should wish to do bigger things than opera tickets, you
know."