Perhaps for that
reason he made acquaintances with a little more than his
customary freedom. There was a young Englishman, for instance,
whose name, it appeared, was Gaynsforth, with whom, after a drink
or two at the bar, he speedily became on almost intimate terms.
Mr. Gaynsforth was a young man, apparently of good breeding and
some means. He was well dressed, of cheerful disposition, knew
something about the woollen trade, and appeared to take a
distinct liking to his new friend. The two men, after having
talked business together for some time, arranged to dine together
and have what they called a gay evening. They retired to their
various apartments to change, Mr. Gaynsforth perfectly well
satisfied with his progress, Mr. James B. Coulson with a broad
grin upon his face.
After a very excellent dinner, for which Mr. Gaynsforth insisted
upon paying, they went to the Folies Bergeres, where the
Englishman developed a thirst which, considering the coolness of
the evening, was nothing short of amazing. Mr. Coulson, however,
kept pace with him steadily, and toward midnight their
acquaintance had steadily progressed until they were certainly on
friendly if not affectionate terms. A round of the supper places,
proposed by the Englishman, was assented to by Mr. Coulson with
enthusiasm. About three o'clock in the morning Mr. Coulson had
the appearance of a man for whom the troubles of this world are
over, and who was realizing the ecstatic bliss of a temporary
Nirvana.
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