The sharpness of the retort was next to telling the Secretary that he lied. But it brought no change of expression into the set face.

“I tell you I am not rich,” repeated Mr. Boffin, “and I won’t have it.”

“You are not rich, sir?” repeated the Secretary, in measured words.

“Well,” returned Mr. Boffin, “if I am, that’s my business. I am not going to spend at this rate, to please you, or anybody. You wouldn’t like it, if it was your money.”

“Even in that impossible case, sir, I⁠—”