One singular fact loomed out above all others.

Adam shamelessly accepted the word miser with a gloating chuckle.

He seemed to like it.

For Kenny, generous to a fault and prodigal with money, the word embodied all things hideous.
There were times when Kenny abandoned the hopeless battle and came at Adam's plea, reserved and sullen.

Then with a solicitous air of virtue the old man urged him to renew it.
"Kenny," he demanded more than once, "have you got your practicing done?
You lack application.