It had been his intention before sailing to dispose of many household articles, either by sale or gift.

As he did not expect to return to New York before the latter part of August, this would minimize the struggles of the last month.

But the prospective "profit" to be acquired from keeping his apartment open was not to be overlooked.

He could easily count upon a generous sum for salaries and running expenses.

Once on the other side of the Atlantic, he hoped that new opportunities for extravagance would present themselves, and he fancied he could leave the final settlement of his affairs for the last month.
As the day for sailing approached, the world again seemed bright to this most mercenary of spendthrifts.
A farewell consultation with his attorneys proved encouraging, for to them his chances to win the extraordinary contest seemed of the best.
He was in high spirits as he left them, exhilarated by the sensation that the world lay before him.