Mr.Dowling recognized his manager with surprise but much cordiality.
"Dear me!" he exclaimed.

"Dear me, this is most fortunate! You know Mr.
Tavernake, of course, Belton?
My manager, Mr.Tavernake--Mr.Belton, of the London & Westminster Bank.

I have brought Mr.Belton up here, Tavernake, to have a look round, so that he may know what we mean to do with all the money we shall have to come and borrow, eh ?" The bank manager smiled.
"It is a very fine situation," he remarked.
The eyes of the two men fell upon Beatrice, who had drawn a little to one side.
"May we have the pleasure, Tavernake ?" Mr.Dowling said, graciously.
"You are not married, I believe ?" "No, this is my sister," Tavernake answered, slowly,--"Mr.Belton and Mr.Dowling." The two men acknowledged the salute with some slight surprise.

Beatrice, although her clothes were simple, had always the air of belonging to a different world.
"Your brother, my dear Miss Tavernake," Mr.Dowling declared, "is a perfect genius at discovering these desirable sites.

This one I honestly consider to be the find of our lifetime.