The unsuspecting Sloppy was at that moment airing his many buttons within view of the window. Mr. Boffin, after a short interval of impassive discomfiture, opened the window and beckoned him to come in.

“I call upon Boffin,” said Wegg, with one arm akimbo and his head on one side, like a bullying counsel pausing for an answer from a witness, “to inform that menial that I am Master here!”

In humble obedience, when the button-gleaming Sloppy entered Mr. Boffin said to him: “Sloppy, my fine fellow, Mr. Wegg is Master here. He doesn’t want you, and you are to go from here.”

“For good!” Mr. Wegg severely stipulated.