"I find it hard to follow you," he admitted. "You will not accept my
offer because you are afraid that when the effect of these beans has
worn off, you will misuse the wealth which will come to you--is that
it?"
"That is the entire truth," Burton confessed.
"Have you asked yourself," Mr. Bomford demanded, impressively, "whether
you have a right to treat your other self in this fashion? Your other
self will assuredly resent it, if you retain your memory. Your other
self would hate your present self for its short-sighted, quixotic folly.
I tell you frankly that you have not the right to treat your coming
self in this way. Consider! Wealth does not inevitably vulgarize. On
the contrary, it takes you away from the necessity of associating with
people calculated to depress and cramp your life. There are many points
of view which I am sure you have not adequately considered. Take the
case of our friend Professor Cowper, for instance. He is a poor man
with a scientific hobby in which he is burning to indulge. Why deprive
him of the opportunity? There is his daughter--"
"I will reconsider the matter," Burton interrupted, hastily. "I cannot
say more than that."
Mr. Bomford signified his satisfaction.
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