Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1890-11-08
CHAPTER II.

Jonas stood beside his desk facing the street,
in g moment of idleness; he was SO tall that he
could see over the mahogany railing that
screened the bank interior from the glance Of
passers-by. 1t was cold weather outside and
he had a sense of snug warmth and his own
privileged position, yet the thought crossed
his mind that il would be a good day to go
through piece Of woods and mark trees for
chopplng. There would be no wind in the
woods: somehow he could not get over the
habit of planning farm work. At this moment
he noticed an ancient covered ohaise which be-
longed to the elderly farmer who was Just ar
ranging his financial business. Mr.. Peodell
himself liked to attend TO some of the old bank
customers, for there had been days when the
County Savings Bank depended upon his SER
vices alone, and be was consequently trusted
and respected by all the thrifty farmers Of the
region
Under the cover Of the carriage Jonas did
not at first observe fresh young country face;
he looked at the shaggy. strong old horse. used
for blowing and roadster by turns. and cal
culated the probable age and worth Of the
good beast before he Saw the bright eyes be-
yond. Then little thrill of curiosity and
pleasure such as he had never felt before
pervaded his frame. He felt new sense of
Wakefulness and cheerful alacrity. The girl
In the buggy loOked.st him he looked at
her, and il the truth we're known the eyes OF
Jonas were the first to turn away. Hathaway
hours
and Jonas bent sideways kimberly into the chair
before his own desk. Hathaway rose for an
instant TO see what was interesting outside but
the pretty girl was in eclipse Of the chaise top
Thinking OF buying that coltl' inquired Hath
away, q kood deal disappointed, and Jonas
vaguely smiled.
The old farmer and Mr.. penden were con-
versing sedately. "Ain't raised the rate o. in
terest have they?" asked the depositor with a
smile.
Directors think of lowering it another
year" reported the cashier. We can't pay 5
per cen, II We don't get but T. Savings bank
securities come higher every year. Why don't
you buy some bonds, Mr.. Haylsnd?"
Tho old County Savings Banks always been
good enough for me and my folks"
cent"
Jim Hymore struck for IS and amt got
nothin' to show fort i expect you've heard
tell o his venture, amt you?"
The cashier smiled and pushed the bank
book IN Its much-thunlbed envelope across the
counter and Mr.. Hayland TOOK some time to
put IL into q deep inner pocket and to button
bis coat over it We'll, I've got NV savin' 8
where they'll be earnin' a little somethin'" he
said, after his usual custom on such occasions
s'Ihere been more this time, but we've been
fxin' up the meetin' house an wife thought
she ought TO do same's others. Well I do
know, but / felt the pleasure o. bein' able to
crafty her. Good day"
Good day, sir, responded the cashier.
"Give my respects TO Mrs. Hayland"
Jonas longed TO take another look before the
buggy was driven away, perhaps forever, but
he was afraid of Hathaway.
who was that old gentleman, Hathaway
be made bold to inquire, but Hathaway only
scuffed an angry foot for answer and began
again at the foot of long column of figures
That's Joel Hsyland- He lives eight or nine
miles down Oak Hill way; q good. comfortable
farmer and a. honest Q man a. know" Mr..
pspdell hinself spOke WARMLY and Jonaa felt Al
much pleased a. il he were listening to the
praise Of one Of his own family.
Just then old Mr.. Hayland and his daughter
were going out Of town, well wrapped against
hechilly wind, which unluckily Vas well astern
q the covered chaisA