“My wages,” said the Secretary, correcting himself.

“Rokesmith, you are not proud, I hope?” observed Mr. Boffin, eyeing him askance.

“I hope not, sir.”

“Because I never was, when I was poor,” said Mr. Boffin. “Poverty and pride don’t go at all well together. Mind that. How can they go well together? Why it stands to reason. A man, being poor, has nothing to be proud of. It’s nonsense.”

With a slight inclination of his head, and a look of some surprise, the Secretary seemed to assent by forming the syllables of the word “nonsense” on his lips.

“Now, concerning these same wages,” said Mr. Boffin. “Sit down.”

The Secretary sat down.