Part 9

“No.”

“Couldn’t you get a patent?”

“I don’t know.”

“Well, I’ll be bound I’d have got a patent.”

“Oh! no, I don’t think so.”

“I tell you what, you ought to turn your talents to account,” said his friend.

“Yes, I know I ought.”

“You could be a rich man.”

“But I don’t care to be rich.”

“What! Oh! nonsense. Everyone does.”

“I do not. I want to live.”

“But you don’t live.”

“Well, maybe I shall some day.”

“You merely exist.”

“Why should I want to be rich?”

“To live--to buy what you want.”

“I want sympathy, love; can one buy that?”

“Yes--even that.”

“No, you cannot. There is only one sort of woman to be bought.”

“Well, come and see me sometimes, won’t you?”

“Well, no, I’m very much obliged to you; but I don’t think I can.”

“Why? I have lots of rich men come to my house. You’d find it to your advantage if you’d come.”

“Thank you.”

“We could make big money together if----”

He paused. Floyd was looking at him.

“Could we? If--what?”

“If you would let me use you.”

“Thank you,” said Floyd. “Perhaps we could.”