“I rather inferred that, sir,” replied John Rokesmith, “from the scale on which your new establishment is to be maintained.”

“Yes,” said Mr. Boffin, “it’s to be a spanker. The fact is, my literary man named to me that a house with which he is, as I may say, connected⁠—in which he has an interest⁠—”

“As property?” inquired John Rokesmith.

“Why no,” said Mr. Boffin, “not exactly that; a sort of a family tie.”

“Association?” the Secretary suggested.