Page:Robert Barr - Lord Stranleigh Philanthropist.djvu/99

 "I shall answer anything you ask."

"A large cheque came to my husband about three months ago. I did not see the cheque itself, but I found the letter that accompanied it, and saw it should have been deposited in our County Bank. I have reason to believe it was deposited in Manchester, although I don't know where."

"Oh, that's all right! It was placed in Cutler's Bank, Manchester, on March 3rd."

"You knew of that, then?"

"Yes."

"The letter said the money was for the library, but I understood that Mr. Barnacle paid for the new building."

"Well, you see, Mrs. Wilson, it's a sort of co-operative affair. I gave the land. Barnacle puts up the building, and then I'm going to present the bulk of the books. Now, it is quite natural that money to put up a library should be deposited in a Manchester bank, because Manchester contains one of the most beautiful libraries in the world, built and equipped by private generosity. You evidently think something is amiss. Even if that should be so, I give you my word I shall take no action in the matter, thus, you see, there is nothing to fear.