"Charley," she said, "you could get along alone for two or three days, if I went into Winnipeg?"
"I could," said Leland. "Still, I wouldn't like it. But what do you want to go there for?"
"Well," said Carrie, reflectively, "there are two or three things I want, and one or two I have to do—business things at the bank. I had a letter from Barrock-holme, you know. I suppose those bankers are really trustworthy people?"
Leland laughed. "Oh, yes, I think they could be trusted with anything you were likely to put into their hands."
"Well," said Carrie, "perhaps I will tell you what it is by and by. In the meanwhile, since I am going to-morrow, there are several things I have to see to."
Starting next morning with Eveline Annersly, she was on the following day ushered into the manager's room at Leland's bank. The gentleman who sat there appeared a trifle astonished when he saw her, as though he had scarcely expected to see the stamp of refinement and station on Leland's wife. He drew out a chair for her, and urbanely asked what he could do for her. Carrie laid a casket and a small bundle of papers upon the table.
"I think you are acquainted with my husband?" she said.
"Certainly," said the banker. "We have had the pleasure of doing business with Mr. Leland of Prospect for a good many years."
"Then," said Carrie, decisively, "you are on no account to tell him about any business you may do for me—that is, unless I give you permission to do so."
The banker concealed any astonishment he may have felt, merely saying that it was his part to fall in with his clients' wishes. Carrie held out a pass-book.