“And the long and the short of it was,” said Alfred, with a sudden acceleration of his narrative, “that he offers me a hundred pounds down to leave that instant minute and to look after this here club. He wanted someone as was used to the best families⁠—to give the place a tone, as he put it. And, well, it seemed flying in the face of providence to refuse⁠—let along that the wages I get here are just three times what they were as second footman.”

“A hundred pounds,” said Bundle. “That’s a very large sum, Alfred. Did they say anything about who was to fill your place at Chimneys?”

“I demurred a bit, my lady, about leaving at once. As I pointed out, it wasn’t usual and might cause inconvenience. But Mr. Mosgorovsky he knew of a young chap⁠—been in good service and ready to come any minute. So I mentioned his name to Mr. Tredwell and everything was settled pleasant like.”