The burly farmer and the builder come downstairs together amicably chatting, and after them the chief clerk himself.

Though young, he has already an expression of decision upon his features, an air of business about him; in fact, were he not thoroughly up to his work he would not remain in that office long.

To hold that place is a guarantee of ability.

He has a bundle of cheques, drafts, &c., in his hand, and after a few words with the grave senior at the desk, strolls across to the bank.
No sooner has the door closed behind him than a shoal of clerks come tripping down on tip-toe, and others appear from the back of the house.
They make use of the opportunity for a little gossip.

Voices are heard in the passage, and an aged and infirm labouring man is helped in by a woman and a younger man.