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Mr. Boffin simply answered as aforesaid: Quite so, Venus. By this time the astonishment was all on the other side. It did not, however, so continue. For, when Venus passed to Weggs discovery, and from that to their having both seen Mr. Boffin dig up the Dutch bottle, that gentleman changed colour, changed his attitude, became extremely restless, and ended (when Venus ended) by being in a state of manifest anxiety, trepidation, and confusion. Now, sir, said Venus, finishing off; you best know what was in that Dutch bottle, and why you dug it up, and took it away. I dont pretend to know anything more about it than I saw. All I know is this: I am proud of my calling after all (though it has been attended by one dreadful drawback which has told upon my heart, and almost equally upon my skeleton), and I mean to live by my calling. Putting the same meaning into other words, I do not mean to turn a single dishonest penny by this affair. As the best amends I can make you for having ever gone into it, I make known to you, as a warning, what Wegg has found out. My opinion is, that Wegg is not to be silenced at a modest price, and I build that opinion on his beginning to dispose of your property the moment he knew his power. Whether its worth your while to silence him at any price, you will decide for yourself, and take your measures accordingly. As far as I am concerned, I have no price. If I am ever called upon for the truth, I tell it, but I want to do no more than I have now done and ended. Thankee, Venus! said Mr. Boffin, with a hearty grip of his hand; thankee, Venus, thankee, Venus! And then walked up and down the little shop in great agitation. But look here, Venus, he by-and-by resumed, nervously sitting down again; if I have to buy Wegg up, I shant buy him any cheaper for your being out of it. Instead of his having half the money it was to have been half, I suppose? Share and share alike? It was to have been half, sir, answered Venus. Instead of that, hell now have all. I shall pay the same, if not more. For you tell me hes an unconscionable dog, a ravenous rascal. He is, said Venus. Dont you think, Venus, insinuated Mr. Boffin, after looking at the fire for a while dont you feel as if you might like to pretend to be in it till Wegg was bought up, and then ease your mind by handing over to me what you had made believe to pocket? No I dont, sir, returned Venus, very positively. Not to make amends? insinuated Mr. Boffin. No, sir. It seems to me, after maturely thinking it over, that the best amends for having got out of the square is to get back into the square. Humph! mused Mr. Boffin. When you say the square, you mean I mean, said Venus, stoutly and shortly, the right. It appears to me, said Mr. Boffin, grumbling over the fire in an injured manner, that the right is with me, if its anywhere. I have much more right to the old mans money than the Crown can ever have. What was the Crown to him except the Kings Taxes? Whereas, me and my wife, we was all in all to him. Mr. Venus, with his head upon his hands, rendered melancholy by the contemplation of Mr. Boffins avarice, only murmured to steep himself in the luxury of that frame of mind: She did not wish so to regard herself, nor yet to be so regarded. |
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