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By Root 1158 0

Bridge was beginning to get annoyed. “I’m sorry, but you cannot have one all to yourself. You don’t have enough money. And if you did have enough I would not allow you to invest in any such foolish venture, so you might as well get used to the idea. Money is not something to be thrown away. Money doesn’t grow on trees. I have worked hard for what I have, and as you grow older you will realize that this is ordinarily the case. The Henry Gutekunsts of this world are few and far between. Henry, as a matter of fact, worked very hard to earn the capital he had to start with, and furthermore he did not just happen to locate that field overnight. He invested not only his savings but a great deal of time and effort. As a geologist he was obliged to work for other men for a number of years before branching out on his own. I am in a position to know how hard Mr. Gutekunst worked. He deserves his wealth. But at the same time he was extremely fortunate. The chances are he would not be so fortunate again. As of today he is solidly entrenched in the Oklahoma oil industry and it is reasonable to assume that his corporation will continue to bring in profitable wells, but nothing is certain, and it is conceivable that his fortunes could take a turn for the worse. In any event, Carolyn, regardless of this man’s success, your position is altogether different. You have a nice little bequest from your mother’s cousin, and I think that over a period of time if we invest this in a reliable company with sound management and a good history it should do very nicely for you.”

“Oh, all right,” Carolyn said.

“There now,” Mr. Bridge said. “That’s settled.” He turned again to Ruth. “Are you going to spend all of your inheritance on clothing?”

Ruth said she wanted to think about it. He looked at her for a few moments and it occurred to him that he did not care how she used her money. He did not know why he felt this way. Logically, it was she much more than Carolyn who needed a lesson. Carolyn was not extravagant or foolish, and despite the impracticality of wanting to buy an oil well with three hundred dollars there was nothing wrong with her thinking. In fact, it was a remarkably mature thought. It was a thought that would not occur to Ruth.

“As you wish. Think it over,” he replied. “You’re not a child anymore.” For an instant their eyes met; he saw a darkness which he could not comprehend. He sensed that she loved him with a passion which was almost sensual. Her love was different from Carolyn’s.

To Douglas he said: “A racing bike. All right. After that, what?” Douglas shrugged. Except for the bicycle he did not care what was done with his money, so they agreed to put it in the bank.

Then Mr. Bridge turned to his wife, curious as to what she wished to do with her inheritance. Often she went shopping, yet she never bought very much. Presumably she did not want to seem extravagant. Now, however, she had money of her own and could buy almost anything which appealed to her. He waited, smiling down at her indulgently with his hands thrust into his pockets, and she began to look anxious. She was trying to think of something she wanted.

It occurred to him that she went shopping merely to use up time. The children were in school, or when they were not in school they were busy with their own affairs. Harriet took care of the house, did the cooking, and ordered groceries. A laundress came once a week to do the washing and ironing. There was not much else to be done. She did not have any way to occupy herself. As he became aware of this it seemed grotesque. He himself had too much to do. Days were not long enough. Yet for her the days had grown too long. That was why she went shopping. He perceived this so clearly that he could not imagine why he had failed to perceive it earlier.

He waited a little longer. She was still attempting to think of something she wanted. At last he said, “For the time being, do you want me to handle it?”

“Yes! Would you please?” She was obviously relieved.

“Shall I buy some securities for you?”

“That sounds fine. Whatever