Warner accepted this proposal.

"I'd better make sure of my money while he has it," he reflected.

"I hope you're not very much disappointed about the visit?" he said.

"Not at all! I should have had to decline. I have been invited to
spend a month at the Adirondacks with Frank Clifford."

"You don't mean it!" ejaculated Warner enviously.

Clifford was a member of an old family, and an invitation from him was
felt to confer distinction. Warner himself would have given a good
deal to be on sufficiently intimate terms to receive such a
compliment.

"When did he invite you?" he asked suggestively.

Walter saw what was in his mind, and answered, with a smile:

"He invited me this morning."

"Had he heard--"

"Of my loss of fortune? Oh, yes! But why should that make any
difference?"

"I wouldn't go, if I were you."