other. A bank might be _good_, in one sense; but it
could not be such a magnificent establishment as this, anywhere but in
England."

"Why not?"

"Oh, the abundance of wealth here, mother; and the scale of everything;
and the superb order and system. English system is something
beautiful." And Dolly went on to explain to her mother the arrangements
of the bank, and in especial the order taken for the preservation and
gradual destruction of the redeemed notes.

"I should like to know what is the use of such things as banks at all?"
was Mrs. Copley's unsatisfied comment.

"Why mother? don't you know? they make business so much easier, and
safer."

"I wish there was no such thing as banks, then."

"O mother! Why do you say that?"

"Then your father would maybe let business alone."

"But he is fond of business!"

"I don't think business is fond of him. He gets drawn into a
speculation here and a speculation there, by some of these people he is
always with; and some day he will do it once too often. He has enough
for us all now; if he would only keep to his consul's business and let
banks alone."

Mrs. Copley looked worried, and Dolly for a moment looked grave; but it
was her mother's way to talk so.

"Why did he take the consulship?"

"Ask him! Because he would rather be a nobody in England than a
somebody in America."

"Mother," said Dolly after a pause, "we have an invitation to dinner."

"Who?"

"Father and I."

"Not me!" cried Mrs. Copley. "You and your father, and not your
father's wife!"

"I suppose the people do not know you, mother, nor know about you; that
must be the reason."

"How do they know about you, pray?"

"They have seen me. At least one of them has; so father says."

"One of whom?"

"One of the family."

"What family is it?"

"A rich banker's family, father says. Mr. St. Leger."

"St. Leger. That is a good name here."

"They are very rich, father says, and have a beautiful place."

"Where?"

"Some miles out of London; a good many, I think."

"Where is your invitation?"

"Where?--Oh, it is not written. Mr. St. Leger asked father to come and
bring me."

"And _Mrs._ St. Leger has sent you no invitation, then. Not even a
card, Dolly?"

"Why no, mother. Was that necessary?"

"It would have been civil," said Mrs. Copley. "It is what she would
have done to an Englishwoman. I suppose they think we don't know any
better."

Dolly was silent, and Mrs. Copley presently