He was moving softly to the door, when, in a forlorn hope of saying something naturally⁠—which I never could, to this man⁠—I said:

“Oh! Littimer!”

“Sir!”

“Did you remain long at Yarmouth, that time?”

“Not particularly so, sir.”

“You saw the boat completed?”

“Yes, sir. I remained behind on purpose to see the boat completed.”

“I know!” He raised his eyes to mine respectfully.

“ Mr. Steerforth has not seen it yet, I suppose?”