“Not just yet awhile, Wegg. In fact, I have got another offer to make you.”

Mr. Wegg (who had had nothing else in his mind for several nights) took off his spectacles with an air of bland surprise.

“And I hope you’ll like it, Wegg.”

“Thank you, sir,” returned that reticent individual. “I hope it may prove so. On all accounts, I am sure.” (This, as a philanthropic aspiration.)

“What do you think,” said Mr. Boffin, “of not keeping a stall, Wegg?”

“I think, sir,” replied Wegg, “that I should like to be shown the gentleman prepared to make it worth my while!”