The room was narrow, badly lit, and still worse ventilated, so that on busy days both the clerks and the customers complained of the stuffy atmosphere.

The ancient fittings had become worn and defaced; the ceiling was grimy; the conveniences in every way defective.

When it was known that a new branch was to be opened the directors of the old Bank resolved that the building, which had so long been found inadequate, should be entirely renovated.

They pulled it down, and the present magnificent structure took its place.
Thus this little country town now possesses two banks, whose facades could hardly be surpassed in a city.

There is perhaps a little rivalry between the managers of the two institutions, in social as well as in business matters.