“You cannot begin too soon, Sophronia. As I have told you, the condition of our affairs is desperate, and may be blown upon at any moment.”

“I must secure Mr. Boffin alone, Alfred. If his wife was present, she would throw oil upon the waters. I know I should fail to move him to an angry outburst, if his wife was there. And as to the girl herself⁠—as I am going to betray her confidence, she is equally out of the question.”

“It wouldn’t do to write for an appointment?” said Lammle.

“No, certainly not. They would wonder among themselves why I wrote, and I want to have him wholly unprepared.”

“Call, and ask to see him alone?” suggested Lammle.

“I would rather not do that either. Leave it to me. Spare me the little carriage for today, and for tomorrow (if I don’t succeed today), and I’ll lie in wait for him.”