Mr. Boffin and his stick went on alone together, until they arrived at certain crossways where they would be likely to fall in with anyone coming, at about the same time, from Clerkenwell to the Bower. Here they stopped, and Mr. Boffin consulted his watch.

“It wants five minutes, good, to Venus’s appointment,” said he. “I’m rather early.”

But Venus was a punctual man, and, even as Mr. Boffin replaced his watch in its pocket, was to be descried coming towards him. He quickened his pace on seeing Mr. Boffin already at the place of meeting, and was soon at his side.

“Thank’ee, Venus,” said Mr. Boffin. “Thank’ee, thank’ee, thank’ee!”