They lunched together in the car, which was on a siding before the offices, ready to join the early afternoon express.

Arthur was on his guard against Whitney, but he could not resist the charm of the financier's manner and conversation.

Like all men of force, Whitney had great magnetism, and his conversation was frank to apparent indiscretion, a most plausible presentation of the cynical philosophy of practical life as it is lived by men of bold and generous nature.
"That assessment scheme was yours, wasn't it ?" he said, when he and Arthur had got on terms of intimacy.
"The first suggestion came from me," admitted Arthur.
"A great stroke," said Whitney.

"You will arrive, young man.

I thought it was your doing, because it reminded me of your father.