“You will probably change your manner of living, Mr. Boffin, in your changed circumstances. You will probably keep a larger house, have many matters to arrange, and be beset by numbers of correspondents. If you would try me as your Secretary⁠—”

“As what ?” cried Mr. Boffin, with his eyes wide open.

“Your Secretary.”

“Well,” said Mr. Boffin, under his breath, “that’s a queer thing!”