expensive junk; I'll sell it, and that will help. As soon as we're
decently settled I'll look for a salaried job. Then watch my
smoke. To quote from the press of a few months hence: 'The
meteoric rise of Robert Wharton has startled the financial world,
surpassing as it does the sensational success of his father. Young
Mr. Wharton was seen yesterday at his Wall Street office and took
time from his many duties to modestly assure our representative
that his ability was inherited, and merely illustrates anew the
maxim that "a chip of the old block will return after many days."
That will please dad. He'll relent when I attribute my success to
him."

"You must quit drinking before you begin work," said Lorelei.

"I HAVE quit."

With a person of such resilient temperament, one who gamboled
through life like a faun, argument was difficult. Bob Wharton was
pagan in his joyous inconsequence; his romping spirits could not
be damped; he bubbled with the optimism of a Robin Goodfellow.
Ahead of him he saw nothing but dancing sunshine, heard nothing
but the Pandean pipes. The girl wife watched him curiously.

"I wonder if you can," she mused. "Before we begin our new life
we're going to make a bargain, binding on both of us. You'll have
to stop drinking. I won't live with a drunkard. I'll work until
you've mastered the craving."

"No!" Bob declared, firmly. "I'll take the river before I'll let
you--keep me. Why, if I--"