“Leading on has been mentioned,” said Wegg with a melancholy air, “and it’s not easy to say how far the tone of my mind may have been lowered by unwholesome reading on the subject of misers, when you was leading me and others on to think you one yourself, sir. All I can say is, that I felt my tone of mind a lowering at the time. And how can a man put a price upon his mind! There was likewise a hat just now. But I leave the ole to you, Mr. Boffin.”

“Come!” said Mr. Boffin. “Here’s a couple of pound.”

“In justice to myself, I couldn’t take it, sir.”