“Come and see me, Venus,” said Mr. Boffin, “at my house.”

“Is the reason there, sir?” asked Mr. Venus, with an incredulous smile and blink.

“It may be, or may not be,” said Mr. Boffin, “just as you view it. But in the meantime don’t go out of the matter. Look here. Do this. Give me your word that you won’t take any steps with Wegg, without my knowledge, just as I have given you my word that I won’t without yours.”

“Done, Mr. Boffin!” said Venus, after brief consideration.

“Thank’ee, Venus, thank’ee, Venus! Done!”