Rae's attempts to school him in diplomacy.
"He is a great financier," continued Mr. Rae, "and with him finance is a
high art, and financial integrity a sacred obligation."
"Oh, certainly, certainly," again replied the Captain, quite unimpressed
by this aspect of the matter, for while he considered himself distinctly
a man of affairs, yet his interests lay more in matters of great public
moment. Commercial enterprises he regarded with a feeling akin to
contempt. Money was an extremely desirable, and indeed necessary,
appendage to a gentleman's position, but how any man of fine feeling
could come to regard a financial institution with affection or
veneration he was incapable of conceiving. However, he was prepared
to deal considerately with Sir Archibald's peculiar prejudices in this
matter.
Mr. Rae's forebodings as to the outcome of the approaching interview
were of the most gloomy nature as they drove through the finely
appointed and beautifully kept grounds of Sir Archibald Brodie's estate.
The interview began inauspiciously. Sir Archibald received them with
stiff courtesy. He hated to be pursued to his country home with business
matters. Besides, at this particular moment he was deeply engrossed in
the inspection of his pigs, for which animals he cherished what might
almost be called an absorbing affection.
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