“Indeed!” said Mr Penwynn, coolly.
“Yes; and also contrive a good many improvements in the sinking and pumping out of mines.”
“Then you have come to the right place, Mr—Mr—Mr Geoffrey Trethick,” said the banker, raising his gold-rimmed passes to glance at the visiting-card before him.
“I hope so,” said Geoffrey, with animation. “Ours is an old Cornish family, and I ought to be at home here.”
“Exactly,” said Mr Penwynn, sarcastically, “and you have come at the right time.”
“Indeed?” said Geoffrey, eagerly.
“Most opportunely; for most of our great milking companies are in a state of bankruptcy.”
“Yes, so I have heard. Well then, Mr Penwynn, if you will give me a letter or two of introduction, I should think there ought to be no difficulty in the way.”
“My dear sir,” said Mr Penwynn, smiling, “I’m afraid you are very sanguine.”
“Well—perhaps a little, sir, but—”