“I don’t find it worth my while to cut things so fine as to go into the inquiry,” Fascination coolly answered.

“Not in justice?”

“Bother justice!” said Fledgeby.

“Not in generosity?”

“Jews and generosity!” said Fledgeby. “That’s a good connection! Bring out your vouchers, and don’t talk Jerusalem palaver.”

The vouchers were produced, and for the next half-hour Mr. Fledgeby concentrated his sublime attention on them. They and the accounts were all found correct, and the books and the papers resumed their places in the bag.

“Next,” said Fledgeby, “concerning that bill-broking branch of the business; the branch I like best. What queer bills are to be bought, and at what prices? You have got your list of what’s in the market?”