Page:Robert Barr - Lord Stranleigh Philanthropist.djvu/285

 "I don't care for any, thank you. I came strictly on business."

"Never allow business to thrust aside the good things of life. Peaches are a luxury in January, and good to eat at any time in the year."

"Lord Stranleigh, you gave to Alexander Corbitt power of attorney over the money you deposited in my bank."

"Oh, that's no news. The transaction you mention happened two days ago."

"Perhaps it is news, my lord, that he gave me notice yesterday of his intention to transfer the hundred thousand to Selwyn's Bank."

"Yes, that is news; but surely the money amounts to more than a hundred thousand? Didn't you allow me any interest?"

"Interest? Of course."

"At what rate, Mackeller?"

"At three per cent."

"I understand that Selwyn's can allow me four, which I am told means a thousand pounds extra in a year on the sum I deposited, an increase of income which a hard-hearted commercial person like myself cannot afford to ignore. Being a shrewd business man you must commend my frugality.