"You have a valuable lot of modern machinery to sell, and cannot lose." Mr Penwynn sat thinking, and Rhoda raised her head from her work. "Well, my dear," said her father, smiling, "what should you do?" "I think I should take Mr Trethick's advice, papa," she said quietly; and she had hardly spoken when the servant announced Mr Tregenna, who came in smiling, and shook hands warmly all round. "I thought I'd just drop in for a chat," he said, looking meaningly at Mr Penwynn. "Why, the place is ringing with the news that you are going in for mining." "Confound them, how did they know that I was at the back of the affair?" said Mr Penwynn, irritably; and he looked sharply at Geoffrey. "Not from me, sir," he said, smiling. "I've been as silent as an oyster." "Oh, from your clerks, I'll be bound," said Tregenna. "You sent for Mr Trethick here, didn't you?" "Yes, of course," said Mr Penwynn. "Well," said Tregenna, laughing, "that was quite enough. I'll be bound to say the ladies of Carnac know to a penny how much that charming costume of Miss Penwynn's cost--the one she wore last Sunday." Rhoda looked up, and nodded, and smiled, feeling set at her ease by the quiet, matter-of-fact way in which Tregenna had put aside the past. "Well, they'd have been sure to know it sooner or later," said Mr Penwynn. "You've just come opportunely, Tregenna. I want a bit of advice." "_Viva_!" said Tregenna, laughing, and taking out his memorandum-book. "I came in for half an hour's relaxation, and I shall earn a guinea in consultation. I am all attention." "You charge for your advice, and you see how I'll charge in the way of discount for the next bill you present," said Mr Penwynn, laughing. "Well, look here, Tregenna, Cropper and Grey want to sell the old Wheal Carnac machinery." "_New_ machinery, you mean," said Tregenna. "Well, yes, it is nearly new," said Mr Penwynn. "Mr Trethick here advises its purchase and refixing to pump out the mine." "But that would run into a lot of money," said Tregenna. "Yes," replied Geoffrey; "but it all fits the place, and it is to be got for a fourth of its value. Even if the whole venture proved a failure, the machinery would be worth the money. It seems to me a chance." Tregenna sat back in his chair, tapping his teeth with the end of his pencil. "That machinery costs a tremendous deal of money," he said, thoughtfully. "Yes, and is in admirable order," said Geoffrey, "or I would not suggest such a thing." "What do the trustees ask for the lot?" said Tregenna, at last. Geoffrey mentioned the sum.