become, the quicker the public should bite at something new, but my chief advisers tell me I am wrong, so I allow them to take their own course."
"Then, you see, there's nothing in the way of a trip to New York. We won't be there longer than three weeks."
"Oh, I don't yearn for New York, Peter. There's no particular reason why I should go, and there are many attractions right here. For instance, the '78 champagne at the club is getting pretty low, and cannot be renewed. I fear that my fellow members, who are a conscienceless set, will take advantage of my absence, and get away with the lot before I return."
"Look here, Stranleigh, I wish you'd talk seriously for a few minutes."
"In heaven's name, what else am I doing? What is more serious than the threatened exhaustion of a notable wine-bin? You never miss the water till the well runs dry, Peter. I'm trying to drive wisdom into that thick head of yours."
"I want to interest you in the business that is taking me to New York."
Stranleigh slowly shook his head.
"My boy, I have no desire to be interested. Interest usually involves excitement, which produces energetic action, and the first thing one knows, he's in a turmoil. I'm taking the rest cure, and living the simple life; I can get all the excitement I want at the race course."
