“I think you are misleading yourself, Fratten. You tell me that this company contemplates extending its scope. I know you well enough to be certain that if you go on to this Board and it starts developing fresh fields you will throw your whole energy into the work. You may deceive yourself about that but not me. Now, apart from your own point of view, I want to put two others to you—your family’s and the bank’s. If you break down, if you over-strain yourself and collapse—that’s what happens, you know—is that going to be pleasant for Inez and Ryland?” “It certainly wouldn’t spoil Ryland’s sleep,” answered Fratten bitterly. “I can’t imagine anything suiting him better.” “Oh, come, Fratten; you’re unjust to the boy. But Inez—you know well enough that she adores you. I should say that you were the centre of her whole universe. Can’t you think of her? Doesn’t she come before this school friend?—a friend who means so much to you that you haven’t seen him, and probably haven’t thought of him, for forty years.” The banker’s expression had softened at the mention of his daughter but he made no comment. Hessel renewed his attack from a fresh direction. “And the bank,” he said. “What about that? Thousands of people depend upon the success of Fratten’s Bank. All your shareholders—it’s been your policy—our policy—for generations to distribute the shares widely and in small holdings—mostly to small people. Small tradesmen, single ladies, retired soldiers and sailors, your own employees. Many of them have all their savings in Fratten’s Bank. You know well enough that the position of the private banks is anything but secure in these days—half a slip, and the ‘_big five_’ swallow them. We’re doing well now, we’re even prosperous—why?—because of you. Your knowledge, your experience, your flair—you _are_ the bank, the rest of us are dummies. I don’t plead for myself, but my own position, my financial and social position are entirely dependent upon Fratten’s.” Sir Garth shook his head impatiently. “You exaggerate,” he said. “The Board is perfectly capable of running the bank without me—probably better. You yourself are worth in fact, though possibly not in the eyes of the public, every bit as much to the welfare of the bank as I am. You may have less experience but you have a quicker, a more acute, financial brain than I ever had and I’m past my prime—I’m depreciating in value every day. No, no, Leo; you’ve over-stated your case, and that’s fatal. I’ll take care, of course, but that appeal _ad misericordiam_—weeping widows and trusting orphans—is all bunkum. Anyway I must get along now—I can’t stand here arguing all day.” Hessel’s expression was grim. “You’ve definitely decided?” he asked. “If it’s sound, yes. I’ve taken a leaf out of your book, Leo, about the club. I’m grateful to you for your consideration, for your advice, much of it very sound, but—I shan’t change my mind.”