“Ah, Mr Trethick!” said the banker, quietly, as Geoffrey was ushered into his handsome study, crammed with books that he seldom read, “I hope I have not brought you up from any important engagement.”
“Well, yes, I was going to be very busy,” said Geoffrey, “I had an appointment on the cliff.”
“I am very sorry,” said the banker, “I thought—”
“That I had nothing to do, and would come down directly. You were quite right, sir, and here I am.”
“But your engagement?”
“Was with myself—to go and loaf about and stare down deserted mine shafts, and growl at the obstinacy of proprietors who refuse to be made rich.”
Mr Penwynn had begun to look disappointed; he now brightened a little.
“You are quite at liberty then, Mr Trethick?”
“Quite, sir.”
“And willing to earn a few guineas?”