Always with the proviso that Podsnap will rally round him, Veneering thinks it is so.

“Then you don’t ask my advice,” says Podsnap. “Good. Then I won’t give it you. But you do ask my help. Good. Then I’ll work for you.”

Veneering instantly blesses him, and apprises him that Twemlow is already working. Podsnap does not quite approve that anybody should be already working⁠—regarding it rather in the light of a liberty⁠—but tolerates Twemlow, and says he is a well-connected old female who will do no harm.

“I have nothing very particular to do today,” adds Podsnap, “and I’ll mix with some influential people. I had engaged myself to dinner, but I’ll send Mrs. Podsnap and get off going myself; and I’ll dine with you at eight. It’s important we should report progress and compare notes. Now, let me see. You ought to have a couple of active energetic fellows, of gentlemanly manners, to go about.”