“No,” returned the Secretary, with another full look.

“Ha, ha, ha!” laughed Mr. Boffin. “There’s nothing like a good ’un while you are about it.”

“I have been for a moment,” said the Secretary, turning from him and falling into his former manner, “diverted from the little I have to say. My interest in Miss Wilfer began when I first saw her; even began when I had only heard of her. It was, in fact, the cause of my throwing myself in Mr. Boffin’s way, and entering his service. Miss Wilfer has never known this until now. I mention it now, only as a corroboration (though I hope it may be needless) of my being free from the sordid design attributed to me.”