“Perhaps,” said Fledgeby, “you may be a little proud of entering on the topic⁠—having been brought up as a gentleman.”

“It’s not that, sir,” returned Twemlow, “it’s not that. I hope I distinguish between true pride and false pride.”

“I have no pride at all, myself,” said Fledgeby, “and perhaps I don’t cut things so fine as to know one from t’other. But I know this is a place where even a man of business needs his wits about him; and if mine can be of any use to you here, you’re welcome to them.”

“You are very good,” said Twemlow, faltering. “But I am most unwilling⁠—”