Now, this name had been more or less in Mr. Boffin’s thoughts all the morning, and for days before; therefore he said:

“That’s singular, too!” unconsciously staring again, past all bounds of good manners, with the card in his hand. “Though, by the by, I suppose it was one of that family that pinted me out?”

“No. I have never been in the streets with one of them.”

“Heard me talked of among ’em, though?”

“No. I occupy my own rooms, and have held scarcely any communication with them.”

“Odder and odder!” said Mr. Boffin. “Well, sir, to tell you the truth, I don’t know what to say to you.”