some others had thought it worth their while to pretend to
believe in him. Among the latter might probably be reckoned the
friend with whom he was now dining at the Progress. A man may
flatter another, as Lopez occasionally did flatter Wharton,
without preconcerted falsehood. It suits one man to be well with
another, and the one learns gradually and perhaps unconsciously
the way to take advantage of the foibles of the other. Now it
was most material to Lopez that he should stand well with all the
members of the Wharton family, as he aspired to the hand of the
daughter of the house. Of her regard he already thought himself
nearly sure. Of the father's sanction to such a marriage he had
reason to be almost more than doubtful. But the brother was his
friend,--and in such circumstances a man is almost justified in
flattering a brother.

'I'll tell you what it is, Lopez,' said Wharton, as they strolled
out of the club together, a little after ten o'clock, 'the men of
the present day won't give themselves the trouble to occupy their
minds with matters which have, or should have, real interest.
Pope knew all about when he said that "The proper study of
mankind is man." But people don't read Pope now, or if they do
they don't take the trouble to understand him.'

'Men are too busy making money, my dear fellow.'

'That's just it. Money's a very nice thing.'

'Very nice,' said Lopez.

'But the search after it is debasing. If a man could make money