On no account must you treat his Bank lightly." "Oh, certainly not," replied the Captain, who was inclined to resent Mr.
Rae's attempts to school him in diplomacy.
"He is a great financier," continued Mr.Rae, "and with him finance is a high art, and financial integrity a sacred obligation." "Oh, certainly, certainly," again replied the Captain, quite unimpressed by this aspect of the matter, for while he considered himself distinctly a man of affairs, yet his interests lay more in matters of great public moment.

Commercial enterprises he regarded with a feeling akin to contempt.

Money was an extremely desirable, and indeed necessary, appendage to a gentleman's position, but how any man of fine feeling could come to regard a financial institution with affection or veneration he was incapable of conceiving.

However, he was prepared to deal considerately with Sir Archibald's peculiar prejudices in this matter.
Mr.Rae's forebodings as to the outcome of the approaching interview were of the most gloomy nature as they drove through the finely appointed and beautifully kept grounds of Sir Archibald Brodie's estate.
The interview began inauspiciously.

Sir Archibald received them with stiff courtesy.