“Since I have been entrusted with Mr. Boffin’s affairs, I have necessarily come to understand the little mystery. I venture to remark that I feel persuaded that much of your loss may be repaired. I speak, of course, merely of wealth, Miss Wilfer. The loss of a perfect stranger, whose worth, or worthlessness, I cannot estimate⁠—nor you either⁠—is beside the question. But this excellent gentleman and lady are so full of simplicity, so full of generosity, so inclined towards you, and so desirous to⁠—how shall I express it?⁠—to make amends for their good fortune, that you have only to respond.”

As he watched her with another covert look, he saw a certain ambitious triumph in her face which no assumed coldness could conceal.

“As we have been brought under one roof by an accidental combination of circumstances, which oddly extends itself to the new relations before us, I have taken the liberty of saying these few words. You don’t consider them intrusive I hope?” said the Secretary with deference.