Being about sixteen, the lad had a great desire to enter a bank, and Lady Ogram put his case before the senior partner in the chief Hollingford banking-house, who was no other than Mr.Robb himself.

Thus recommended, the boy soon had his wish; he was admitted to a clerkship.

But less than six months proved him so unsuitable a member of the establishment that he received notice of dismissal.

Not till after this step had been taken did Lady Ogram hear of it.

She was indignant at what seemed to her a lack of courtesy; she made inquiries, persuaded herself that her _protege_ had been harshly dealt with, and wrote a very pungent letter to the head of the firm.