Mr. Dawson bowed his head--an acquiescence meant to be encouraging. To the young man the necessity for such encouragement was not clear. Possibly it showed in his eyes, for Mr. Dawson said very politely, in an almost courtly way he had at times to show some people that an aristocrat could do business aristocratically:
"It is not usual for us to accept accounts from strangers. We do not really know." very gently, "that you are the man to whom this letter was given, nor that your signature is that of Mr. George K. Grinnell."
The young man laughed pleasantly. "I see your position, Mr. Dawson, but, really, I am not important enough to be impersonated by anybody. As for my being George K. Grinnell, I've laboured under that impression for twenty-nine years. I'll have Professor Willetts in person introduce me, if you wish. I have some letters----" He made a motion toward his breast pocket, but Mr. Dawson held up a hand in polite dissent; he was above suspicions. "And as for my signature, if you will send a clerk with me to the Assay Office, next door they will doubtless verify it to your satisfaction; I can just as easily bring legal tender notes, I suppose. In any case, as I have no intention of touching this money for some time to come, I suppose the bank will be safe from----"
"Oh," interrupted Dawson, with a sort of subdued cordiality, "as I told you before, while we do not usually take accounts from people of whom we know nothing in a business way, we will make an exception in your case." That the young man might not think the bank's eagerness for deposits made its officers unbusinesslike, the president added, with a politely explanatory smile: "Professor Willetts's letter is sufficient introduction. As you say you are not in business--"
He paused and looked at the young man for confirmation.
"No, sir; I happen to have this money, and I desire a safe place to keep it in. I may bring a little more. It depends upon certain family matters. But that is for the future to decide. In the meantime, I should like to leave this money here, untouched."
"Very well, sir." The president pushed a button on his desk. A bright-looking, neatly dressed office-boy appeared, his face exaggeratedly attentive.