ly and she responded in the same manner. It
occurred to Mr. Wentz that a time when everyone else was either
borrowing, or endeavoring to, she was one of the few customers whose
balances appeared ample for their expenses.

The banker's attitude since his interview with Kate and her subsequent
astonishing and unexpected payment of the mortgage had been one of
polite aloofness. That matter was still a mystery which he hoped to
solve sometime. But long ago Mr. Wentz had learned that the life of a
banker is not the free independent life of a laundryman, and that with a
competitor like Abram Pantin forever harassing him by getting the cream
of the loans, it was sometimes necessary to make concessions and
conciliations.

As Kate was leaving, he arose and extended a hand over the railing.

"We don't see you often, Miss Prentice."

She showed no surprise at his action and extended her own hand without
either alacrity or hesitancy as she replied briefly:

"I seldom come to Prouty."

"I merely wished to say that if at any time we can accommodate you, do
not hesitate to ask us." Mr. Wentz realized that he was laying himself
open to an embarrassing reminder, and expected it, but Kate did not
betray by so much as the flicker of an eyelid that she remembered when
she had pleaded, not for money, but only for time to save herself from
ruin.

"You are very kind." She bowed slightly.

"You are one of our most valued customers." Her reserve piqued him; it
was a kind of challenge to his gallantry. "I hope--I trust you will
allow us to show our appreciation in some way--if only a small favor."

"I don't need it."

"You are very fortunate to be in that position, the way times are at
present. In that case," he smiled with the assurance of a man who had
had his conquests, "I'll presume to ask one. We should be
pleased--delighted to handle your entire account for you. You keep it--"

"In Omaha."

"Why not in Prouty?" ingratiatingly.

Kate did not answer immediately, but while she returned the gaze of his
melting brown eyes steadily she received a swift impression that for
some reason deposits would be particularly welcome. There had been no
eagerness or anxiety to suggest it, yet she had the notion strongly that
the bank needed the money. Perhaps, she reasoned swiftly, the suspicion
was born merely of her now habitual distrust of motives; nevertheless,
it was there, to become a fixed opinion.

While she seemed to deliberate, Mr