One day in March John Potts was sitting in the parlor of the bank when a gentleman walked in who seemed to be about sixty years of age. He had a slight stoop, and carried a gold-headed cane. He was dressed in black, had gray hair, and a very heavy gray beard and mustache. “Have I the honor of addressing Mr. Potts?” said the stranger, in a peculiarly high, shrill voice. “I’m Mr. Potts,” said the other. The stranger thereupon drew a letter from his pocket-book and handed it to Potts. The letter was a short one, and the moment Potts had read it he sprang up and held out his hand eagerly. “Mr. Smithers, Sir!--you’re welcome, Sir, I’m sure, Sir! Proud and happy, Sir, to see you, I’m sure!” said Potts, with great volubility. Mr. Smithers, however, did not seem to see his hand, but seated himself leisurely on a chair, and looked for a moment at the opposite wall like one in thought. He was a singular-looking old man. His skin was fresh; there was a grand, stern air upon his brow when it was in repose. The lower part of his face was hidden by his beard, and its expression was therefore lost. His eyes, however, were singularly large and luminous, although he wore spectacles and generally looked at the floor. “I have but recently returned from a tour,” said he, in the same voice; “and my junior partner has managed all the business in my absence, which has lasted more than a year. I had not the honor of being acquainted with your banking-house when I left, and as I had business up this way I thought I would call on you.” “Proud, Sir, and most happy to welcome you to our modest parlor,” said Potts, obsequiously. “This is a pleasure--indeed I may say, Sir, a privilege--which I have long wished to have. In fact, I have never seen your junior partner, Sir, any more than yourself. I have only seen your agents, Sir, and have gone on and done my large business with you by writing.” Mr. Smithers bowed. “Quite so,” said he. “We have so many connections in all parts of the world that it is impossible to have the pleasure of a personal acquaintance with them all. There are some with whom we have much larger transactions than yourself whom I have never seen.” “Indeed, Sir!” exclaimed Potts, with great surprise. “Then you must do a larger business than I thought.” “We do a large business,” said Mr. Smithers, thoughtfully. “And all over the world, you said. Then you must be worth millions.” “Oh, of course, one can not do a business like ours, that commands money, without a large capital.” “Are there many who do a larger business than I do?”