mysterious money had stood to him as the symbol of earthly good, and the immediate object of toil. He had seemed to love it little in the years when every penny had its purpose for him; for he loved the purpose then. But now, when all purpose was gone, that habit of looking towards the money and grasping it with a sense of fulfilled effort made a loam that was deep enough for the seeds of desire.

Summary

This quote suggests that money held a significant meaning for the individual. Initially, money represented something concrete and purposeful, as every penny had a specific use. However, when the individual's sense of purpose waned, their habit of focusing on and obtaining money became a fertile ground for desire. The quote implies that the habit of seeking money as a symbol of earthly good became a substitute for purpose, awakening new desires within the individual.

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