“Now, mark this chap’s saying Miss Wilfer, when he means £ s. d. !” cried Mr. Boffin, with a cunning wink. “Now, mark this chap’s making Miss Wilfer stand for Pounds, Shillings, and Pence!”

“My feeling for Miss Wilfer,” pursued the Secretary, without deigning to notice him, “is not one to be ashamed of. I avow it. I love her. Let me go where I may when I presently leave this house, I shall go into a blank life, leaving her.”

“Leaving £ s. d. behind me,” said Mr. Boffin, by way of commentary, with another wink.