Good-day, Mr.Chalker." On his way out, Mr.Chalker stopped for a moment and looked round the shop.
"How's business ?" he asked the assistant.
"Dull, sir," replied Mr.James.

"He throws it all away, and neglects his chances.

Naturally, being so rich--" "So rich, indeed," the solicitor echoed.
"It will be bad for his successor," Mr.James went on, thinking how much he should himself like to be that successor.

"The goodwill won't be worth half what it ought to be, and the stock is just falling to pieces." Mr.Chalker looked about him again thoughtfully, and opened his mouth as if about to ask a question, but said nothing.

He remembered, in time, that the shopman was not likely to know the amount of his master's capital or investments.
"There isn't a book even in the glass-case that's worth a five-pound note," continued Mr.James, whispering, "and he don't look about for purchases any more.