Waddington assented. "I must admit
that in some respects I feel happier and life seems a much more
interesting place. Yet I can't altogether escape from certain
apprehensions as regards the future."
"If you take my advice," Burton said firmly, "you'll continue the
business exactly as you are doing at present."
"I have no idea of abandoning it," Mr. Waddington replied. "The
trouble is, how long will it be before it abandons me?"
"I have a theory of my own as to that," Burton declared. "We will not
talk about it at present--simply wait and see."
Mr. Waddington paid the bill.
"Meanwhile," he said, "you had better get down to Garden Green as
quickly as you can. You will excuse me if I hurry off? It is almost
time to start the sale again."
Burton followed his host into the street. The sun was shining, and a
breath of perfume from the roses in a woman's gown assailed him, as she
passed by on the threshold to enter the restaurant. He stood quite
still for a moment. He had succeeded in his object, he had acquired the
beans which were to restore to him his domestic life, and in place of
any sense of satisfaction he was conscious of an intense sense of
depression. What magic, after all, could change Ellen! He forgot for
one moment the gulf across which he had so miraculously passed.
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