Page:The Mystery of Central Park.djvu/138

132 I think that large woman who sits beside him and looks into his eyes so affectionately, loves him very much because of his affliction. I'm sure I would. And that man and woman opposite, though I don't like their looks, seem to heed every word he says and to be very fond of him."

Richard laughed softly.

"Well, Dido, I don't want to spoil your dream, but that little man has a brain that is far out of proportion to his weak and dwarfed body. He stands at the head of his profession, and has accumulated wealth by his industry and ability. Quite a reproach to us worthless fellows, who were born with legs. I have a great admiration for him, but those people with him neither care for him for his ability or his affliction. They are not of that kind."

"What then?" asked Dido, in distress.

"Money—money, child. It's the story you could read at almost every table here.