Turning back to his father, he continued, "Miss Monahan is here to make a deposit."

Bridget nodded enthusiastically at this affirmation of her purpose.

Charles nodded, "Well, Miss Monahan I would like to thank you for coming and for being my first customer.  This is all still new to me as I only bought the bank a few days ago."

The girl opened her mouth in surprise, did folks really go around buying things like banks? Maybe if she saved up real hard, she could buy a bank or a house or a mountain or a river. Well, today was the start of that. Arabella had told her that if you kept on giving your money to the man who owns the bank, it would grow and grow and before you knew it you would have more money than you would know what to do with, and you could buy anything you wanted.

He motioned for Luke to come over, "Mr. Johnson will take care of you now and if there is anything you just let me know."

The girl’s face fell. She needed to give the money to the man who owns the bank, they were the words Arabella had used. Bridget started to panic a little, this wasn’t how it was meant to go.

Seeing that Bridget was a bit apprehensive, Matt smiled, “Don’t worry, Mr. Johnson is very reliable and trustworthy.”

She shook her head determinedly and strode over to the elder Wentworth, opening her purse as she did so, and pulled out all her money. It was a muddy looking single red cent – and well might it look muddy, she had found it on the boardwalk yesterday.

She thrust the tiny coin into Charles’ hand, and in a paroxysm of delight at having achieved her mission, reached up to kiss the old gentleman on the cheek. Then, smiling happily she turned to exit the room.

Charles grinned, "Well, I must say that's something I didn't expect on my first day as a banker."

Matt shook his head slightly and smiled, "I didn't expect it either but there you have it.  The young lady has made her first deposit."

"Yes, she has." Charles looked over at Luke and handed him the coin.  "Open an account for Miss Monahan and the next time she makes an appearance, make sure she gets her passbook."

Luke nodded, "Yes, Mr. Wentworth."  Looking at the coin, he half-smiled, "And I'll give this a clean as well so that I can put in the right amount."

"Good man," Charles replied.  Turning back to Matt, he smiled, "How about joining me for lunch later today?"

"I would be honoured.  I think we should try the Lick Skillet. Mrs. Blakesley makes wonderful meals.  If she didn't own her business, I would have hired her."

"That's fine by me.  It will give an opportunity to meet her."

After a few more minutes, Matt made his exit, leaving Charles to get more familiar with the bank and his staff.