Warden; 'and I have kept
it.'
'Well, sir, and I repeat it,' returned Mr. Snitchey, 'we were bound
to silence too. We were bound to silence in our duty towards
ourselves, and in our duty towards a variety of clients, you among
them, who were as close as wax. It was not our place to make
inquiries of you on such a delicate subject. I had my suspicions,
sir; but, it is not six months since I have known the truth, and
been assured that you lost her.'
'By whom?' inquired his client.
'By Doctor Jeddler himself, sir, who at last reposed that
confidence in me voluntarily. He, and only he, has known the whole
truth, years and years.'
'And you know it?' said his client.
'I do, sir!' replied Snitchey; 'and I have also reason to know that
it will be broken to her sister to-morrow evening. They have given
her that promise. In the meantime, perhaps you'll give me the
honour of your company at my house; being unexpected at your own.
But, not to run the chance of any more such difficulties as you
have had here, in case you should be recognised - though you're a
good deal changed; I think I might have passed you myself, Mr.
Warden - we had better dine here, and walk on in the evening. It's
a very good place to dine at, Mr. Warden: your own property, by-
the-bye. Self and Craggs (deceased) took a chop here sometimes,
and had it very comfortably served.
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