“Say nothing,” returned Mr. Rokesmith; “allow me to call on you in a few days. I am not so unconscionable as to think it likely that you would accept me on trust at first sight, and take me out of the very street. Let me come to you for your further opinion, at your leisure.”

“That’s fair, and I don’t object,” said Mr. Boffin; “but it must be on condition that it’s fully understood that I no more know that I shall ever be in want of any gentleman as Secretary⁠—it was Secretary you said; wasn’t it?”

“Yes.”

Again Mr. Boffin’s eyes opened wide, and he stared at the applicant from head to foot, repeating “Queer!⁠—You’re sure it was Secretary? Are you?”