Page 540 sur 657

"Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a

card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I

saw the name, for it was that of none other than-well, perhaps

even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name

which is a household word all over the earth-one of the highest,

noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the

honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged

at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry

quickly through a disagreeable task.

"'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the

habit of advancing money.'

"'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered.