capabilities, without regarding suitabilities--impressed Francis
Hogarth while it embarrassed Mr. Rennie. It was impossible to
out-reason so extraordinary an applicant, but it was still more
impossible to grant her request. Skilled as the banker was in the
delicate and difficult art of saying "No," it had to be said oftener
and more distinctly to Jane Melville than to the most pertinacious of
customers, to whom discount must be refused.

"I admire your spirit, Miss Melville. If one thing cannot be
accomplished you must try another. But in an establishment like this,
you see, I could not possibly take you in. A private employer might
admire your undoubted ability; but I am responsible to a Board of
Directors, and they would decidedly oppose such an innovation.
Your sex, you are aware, are not noted for powers of secrecy. I dare
say it is a prejudice; but bank directors and bank customers have
prejudices, and no one likes any additional chance of having his
affairs made public."

"You know you are talking nonsense, my good sir," said Jane. "It is
because women have never had any responsibilities that they have been
supposed to be unworthy of trust. Where they have been honoured with
confidence they have been quite as faithful to it as any men."

"But, my dear madam," said Mr. Rennie, "what would be the consequence
if all the clever women like yourself were to thrust themselves into
masculine avocations? Do you not see that the competition would reduce
the earnings of men, and then there would be fewer who could afford to
marry? The customs of society press hard upon the exceptional women who
court a wider field of usefulness, but I believe the average happiness
is secured by-----"