Secretary knew it, because his sister’s share in that disposal of him seemed to be the best part of Lightwood’s account of the family. This young fellow, Sloppy, stood in need of some instruction. If he, the Secretary, engaged that schoolmaster to impart it to him, the channel might be opened. The next point was, did Mrs. Boffin know the schoolmaster’s name? No, but she knew where the school was. Quite enough. Promptly the Secretary wrote to the master of that school, and that very evening Bradley Headstone answered in person.
The Secretary stated to the schoolmaster how the object was, to send to him for certain occasional evening instruction, a youth whom Mr. and Mrs. Boffin wished to help to an industrious and useful place in life. The schoolmaster was willing to undertake the charge of such a pupil. The Secretary inquired on what terms? The schoolmaster stated on what terms. Agreed and disposed of.
“May I ask, sir,” said Bradley Headstone, “to whose good opinion I owe a recommendation to you?”
“You should know that I am not the principal here. I am Mr. Boffin’s Secretary. Mr. Boffin is a gentleman who inherited a property of which you may have heard some public mention; the Harmon property.”
“ Mr. Harmon,” said Bradley: who would have been a great deal more at a loss than he was, if he had known to whom he spoke: “was murdered and found in the river.”
“Was murdered and found in the river.”
“It was not—”
“No,” interposed the Secretary, smiling, “it was not he who recommended you. Mr. Boffin heard of you through a certain Mr. Lightwood. I think you know Mr. Lightwood, or know of him?”