“How long could you be persuaded to keep up the appearance of remaining in it?” asked Mr. Boffin, retiring on his other idea. “Could you be got to do so, till the Mounds are gone?”

No. That would protract the mental uneasiness of Mr. Venus too long, he said.

“Not if I was to show you reason now?” demanded Mr. Boffin; “not if I was to show you good and sufficient reason?”

If by good and sufficient reason Mr. Boffin meant honest and unimpeachable reason, that might weigh with Mr. Venus against his personal wishes and convenience. But he must add that he saw no opening to the possibility of such reason being shown him.