transfer my securities to London. I shall build a house in Park
Lane, and I shall buy some immemorial country seat with a history
as long as the A. T. and S. railroad, and I shall calmly and
gradually settle down. D'you know - I am rather a good-natured
man for a millionaire, and of a social disposition, and yet I haven't
six real friends in the whole of New York City. Think of that!'

'And I,' said Babylon, 'have no friends except the friends of my
boyhood in Lausanne. I have spent thirty years in England, and
gained nothing but a perfect knowledge of the English language
and as much gold coin as would fill a rather large box.'

These two plutocrats breathed a simultaneous sigh.

'Talking of gold coin,' said Racksole, 'how much money should you
think Jules has contrived to amass while he has been with you?'

'Oh!' Babylon smiled. 'I should not like to guess. He has had unique
opportunities - opportunities.'

'Should you consider twenty thousand an extraordinary sum under
the circumstances?'

'Not at all. Has he been confiding in you?'

'Somewhat. I have dismissed him.'

'You have dismissed him?'

'Why not?'