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Say nothing, returned Mr Rokesmith; allow me to call on you in a few days. I am not so unconscionable as to think it likely that you would accept me on trust at first sight, and take me out of the very street. Let me come to you for your further opinion, at your leisure. Thats fair, and I dont object, said Mr Boffin; but it must be on condition that its fully understood that I no more know that I shall ever be in want of any gentleman as Secretary it was Secretary you said; wasnt it? Yes. Again Mr Boffins eyes opened wide, and he stared at the applicant from head to foot, repeating Queer! Youre sure it was Secretary? Are you? I am sure I said so. As Secretary, repeated Mr Boffin, meditating upon the word; I no more know that I may ever want a Secretary, or what not, than I do that I shall ever be in want of the man in the moon. Me and Mrs Boffin have not even settled that we shall make any change in our way of life. Mrs Boffins inclinations certainly do tend towards Fashion; but, being already set up in a fashionable way at the Bower, she may not make further alterations. However, sir, as you dont press yourself, I wish to meet you so far as saying, by all means call at the Bower if you like. Call in the course of a week or two. At the same time, I consider that I ought to name, in addition to what I have already named, that I have in my employment a literary man with a wooden leg as I have no thoughts of parting from. I regret to hear I am in some sort anticipated, Mr Rokesmith answered, evidently having heard it with surprise; but perhaps other duties might arise? You see, returned Mr Boffin, with a confidential sense of dignity, as to my literary mans duties, theyre clear. Professionally he declines and he falls, and as a friend he drops into poetry. Without observing that these duties seemed by no means clear to Mr Rokesmiths astonished comprehension, Mr Boffin went on: And now, sir, Ill wish you good-day. You can call at the Bower any time in a week or two. Its not above a mile or so from you, and your landlord can direct you to it. But as he may not know it by its new name of Boffins Bower, say, when you inquire of him, its Harmons; will you? Harmoons, repeated Mr Rokesmith, seeming to have caught the sound imperfectly, Harmarns. How do you spell it? Why, as to the spelling of it, returned Mr Boffin, with great presence of mind, thats your look out. Harmons is all youve got to say to him. Morning, morning, morning! And so departed, without looking back. |
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