Had he followed behind his guest he would have witnessed a little
comedy which would have gone far in wiping clean all trace of his
uncle's disparaging remarks of the morning. He would have enjoyed,
too, Parkins's amazement. As the Receiving Teller of the Exeter
Bank reached the hall floor the President of the Clearing House--
the most distinguished man in the Street and one to whom Breen
kotowed with genuflections equalling those of Parkins--accompanied
by his daughter and followed by the senior partner of Breen & Co.,
were making their way to the front door. The second man in the
chocolate livery with the potato-bug waistcoat had brought the
Magnate's coat and hat, and Parkins stood with his hand on the
door-knob. Then, to the consternation of both master and servant,
the great man darted forward and seized Peter's hand.
"Why, my dear Mr. Grayson! This is indeed a pleasure. I didn't see
you--were you inside?"
"No--I've been upstairs with young Mr. Breen," replied Peter, with
a comprehensive bow to Host, Magnate and Magnate's daughter.
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