Colonel Harris relighted his cigar and queried to himself, "What ought I
to charge these Englishmen for a property that cost barely two millions,
but that has brought to the Harris family, annually for ten years, an
average of 30%, or $600,000?" At first he had fixed upon six millions as
a fair price, and then finally upon five million dollars. While he thus
reflected, he fell asleep. It was after eleven o'clock when the Waldorf
attendant caught him, or he would have fallen from his chair to the
floor. Colonel Harris gave him a piece of silver, and retired for the
night.
CHAPTER II
HUGH SEARLES OF LONDON ARRIVES
The next day was Sunday, and the Harris family slept late. Jean was first
to rise, and buying the morning papers left them at Colonel Harris's
door.
It was almost nine o'clock when the family gathered in their private
dining-room. The night's sleep had refreshed all. The mother was very
cheerful over her coffee, and heartily enjoyed planning for the day. She
liked New York best of the American cities. Brown stone and marble
fronts, fine equipage and dress, had charms for her, that almost made
her forget a pleasant home and duties at Harrisville.
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