Maria hesitated. "That" was some tempting-looking breakfast-dish, very good, no doubt, for George, but very rich for Meta. George, however, drew it towards him, and cut her a little, claiming for his reward as many kisses as Meta's impatience would accord him. Margery went off in a temper. "No wonder the child despises her bread and milk in the morning! If I had fed _you_ upon those spiced things, Mr. George, when you were a child, I wonder whether you'd have grown into the strong man you are!" "Into a stronger," called out George. He as much liked to give a word of teasing now and then to Margery as he had in the old days she referred to. Margery retorted with some answer, which he did not hear, and George laughed. Laughed loud and merrily, and again bent his face to Meta's. But he could not remain all day long in that scene of peace. Oh, if we only could! those who have to go out to battle with the daily world. If there were only a means of closing the door on the woes that turn a man's hair white before its time! George took Meta a triumphal ride round the room on his shoulder, and then, having extorted his payment, put her down by Maria. Going into the Bank to his day's work. His day's work! rather an embarrassing one, that day, Mr. George Godolphin! Taking the keys of the strong-room from the cupboard, also certain other keys, as he had done once before within the knowledge of the reader, he proceeded to the strong-room, opened a certain safe in it, and took out the box inscribed "Lord Averil." This he also opened, and examined its contents. Mr. George Godolphin was searching for certain bonds: or, making believe to search for them. Having satisfied himself that they were not there, he returned the box to its place, made all safe again, went back, and sat down to open the morning letters. Presently he called to a clerk. "Has Mr. Hurde come?" "Yes, sir." "Desire him to step here." The old clerk came, in obedience to the summons, taking off his spectacles as he entered to rub one of their glasses, which had got misty. George leaned his elbow on the table, and, resting his chin upon his hand, looked him full in the face. "Hurde," said he, plunging midway into his communication, which he made in a lone tone, "those bonds of Lord Averil's are missing." The clerk paused, as if scarcely understanding. "How do you mean, sir? Missing in what way?" "I can't find them," replied George. "They are in Lord Averil's box in the strong-room, sir, with his other papers." "But they are not there," replied George. "I have searched the papers through this morning. Hurde, we have had some roguery at work." Another pause, devoted by Mr. Hurde to revolving the communication. "Roguery!" he slowly repeated. "Have you missed anything else, Mr. George?" "No. I have not looked." "Oh, sir, there's no fear of anything being wrong," resumed the old clerk, his good sense repudiating the notion. "Mr. Godolphin must have moved them."