Cranford

Both the narrator and Miss Matty receive letters in the mail. The narrator’s letter is from her father, who asks if Miss Matty retains her shares in the Town and County Bank because there have been reports that the bank will be stopping payments. The narrator doesn’t know much about business, but she recognizes that this is terrible news for Miss Matty. Miss Matty’s letter is coincidentally from the Town and County Bank and asks her to attend a meeting of the shareholders. The narrator fears the meeting will confirm her father’s report, but she decides not to say anything to Miss Matty until she knows for sure. Miss Matty is delighted to have received the letter, even though Deborah was the one who knew about business and bought the stocks.

The narrator goes shopping with Miss Matty, who is excited to purchase new silks. As they are shopping, they witness an unfortunate incident in which a customer’s check bounces. The shopman regretfully informs the gentleman that they can’t accept checks from the Town and County Bank. As an investor, Miss Matty takes it upon herself to pay for the customer’s purchase in coins. She is certain that there must be some mistake and that the bank would have informed her as a shareholder.