Just getting money isn't enough.

I want a little pep in mine." Larry saw that these talks on the unwisdom of speculation he was giving Dick were not in themselves enough to affect a change in Dick.

Mere words were colorless and negative; something positive would be required.
Larry hesitated before he ventured upon another matter he had long considered.

"Excuse my saying it, Dick.

But a man who's trying to do as much in a business way as you are, particularly since it's plain speculation, can't afford to go to after-theater shows three times a week and to late suppers the other four nights.