"I suppose the G. V.——" began Kipps.
"He knows," said the housekeeper.
He went down to shop a little before time, and presently Booch summoned him to the presence.
He emerged from the private office after an interval of ten minutes.
The junior clerk scrutinised his visage. Buggins put the frank question.
Kipps answered with one word.
"Swapped!" said Kipps.
§2
Kipps leant against the fixtures with his hands in his pockets and talked to the two apprentices under him.