But she could see that the prospect was not alluring to him.

“No,” she said, “no. I don’t think you want to do that.”

“I don’t think I do, either,” he admitted. “The fact is, Laura, I just about know that park by heart. Is there anything good in the magazines this month?”

She got them for him, and he installed himself comfortably in the library, with a box of cigars near at hand.

“Ah,” he said, fetching a long breath as he settled back in the deep-seated leather chair. “Now this is what I call solid comfort. Better than stewing and fussing about La Salle Street with your mind loaded down with responsibilities and all. This is my idea of life.”