He carried out his surprise by appearing one afternoon before the door and inviting her to drive.  Selma became radiant at the news that the horse and buggy were hers, though, when the particulars of the purchase were disclosed she said to herself that she wished Wilbur had allowed her to choose the vehicle.  She would have preferred one more stylish and less domestic looking.  She flung her arms about his neck and gave him a kiss on their return to show her satisfaction.

“You see how easy it is, Wilbur,” she said as she surveyed the check which he had handed her.

“It was not I, it was Williams.”

“No, but you could, if you would only think so.  I have the greatest confidence in you, dear,” she added, looking eagerly into his face; “but don’t you sometimes go out of your way to avoid what is enterprising and—­er—­modern, just because it is modern?”

“Gambling is as old as the hills, Selma.”

“Yes.  And if this were gambling—­the sort of gambling you mean, do you think I would allow you to do it?  Do you think the American people would tolerate it for a minute?” she asked triumphantly.

“It seems to me that your admiration for the American people sometimes makes you a little weak in your logic,” he answered with good-humor.  He was so pleased by Selma’s gratification that he was disposed to exorcise his scruples.

“I have always told you that I was more of a patriot than you, Wilbur.”

The bond had not been returned by Williams at the time he sent the money, and some fortnight later—­only a few days in fact after this drive, Littleton received another cheque for $500 and a request that he call at the office.

“I thought you would like to see the instruments of torture at work—­the process of lamb-shearing in active operation,” Williams explained as he shook hands and waved him into his private room.  After a few easy remarks on the methods of doing business the broker continued, “I flatter myself that for so small an investment and so short a time, I have done tolerably well for you.”

“I scarcely know how to express my thanks and my admiration for your skill.  Indeed I feel rather awkwardly about—­”

“That’s all right, my dear fellow.  It’s my business; I get my commission.  Still I admit friendly regard—­and this is why I suggested your dropping in—­by introducing the personal equation, makes one nervous.  If instead of closing out your account, I had in each instance held on, you would have made more money.  I was glad to take this responsibility at first because you were a neophyte at the business, but I think it will be more satisfactory both for you and for me that in future transactions you should give me the word when to reap the profit.  Of course you shall have all the information which I possess and my advice will be at your command, but where a man’s money is concerned his own head is apt to be the wisest counsellor.  Now I took the liberty yesterday