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When the body of an unknown man is dragged from the river Thames, a series of complications involving the will of a wealthy man entangle the lives of several Londoners.

Page 1032 of 1266
Table of Contents

V

“I mean, really rich. Say, as rich as Mr. Boffin. You would like that?”

“I should be almost afraid to try, John dear. Was he much the better for his wealth? Was I much the better for the little part I once had in it?”

“But all people are not the worse for riches, my own.”

“Most people?” Bella musingly suggested with raised eyebrows.

“Nor even most people, it may be hoped. If you were rich, for instance, you would have a great power of doing good to others.”

“Yes, sir, for instance,” Bella playfully rejoined; “but should I exercise the power, for instance? And again, sir, for instance; should I, at the same time, have a great power of doing harm to myself?”

Laughing and pressing her arm, he retorted: “But still, again for instance; would you exercise that power?”

“I don’t know,” said Bella,

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