It is known that the old Bank has often paid twenty and twenty-five per cent, to its shareholders.

Where does all this money come from?
From Hodge, toiling in the field and earning his livelihood in the sweat of his brow?
One would hardly think so at first, and yet there are no great businesses or manufactories here.
Somehow or other the money that pays for this courtesy and commercial knowledge, for these magnificent premises and furniture, that pays the shareholders twenty-five per cent., must be drawn from the green meadows, the cornfields, and the hills where the sheep feed.
On an ordinary day the customers that come to the bank's counter may be reckoned on the fingers.

Early in the morning the Post-Office people come for their cash and change; next, some of the landlords of the principal inns with their takings; afterwards, such of the tradesmen as have cheques to pay in.

Later on the lawyers' clerks, or the solicitors themselves drop in; in the latter case for a chat with the manager.

A farmer or two may call, especially on a Friday, for the cash to pay the labourers next day, and so the morning passes.