"But it is a maxim with us, my dear sir, never to be premature in anything, especially when it may be—very prejudicial; you've really no idea, my dear Mr. Titmouse, of the world of mischief that is often done by precipitancy in legal matters; and in the present stage of the business—the present stage, my dear sir—I really do see it necessary not to—do anything premature, and without consulting my partners."
"Lord, sir!" exclaimed Titmouse, getting more and more irritated and impatient as he reflected on the length of his absence from Tag-rag & Co.'s.
"I quite feel for your anxiety—so perfectly natural"——
"Oh, dear sir! if you'd only tell me the least bit"——
"If, my dear sir, I were to disclose just now the exact object we had in inserting that advertisement in the papers"——
"How did you come to know of it at all, sir? Come, there can't be any harm in that anyhow"——
"Not the least, my dear sir. It was in the course of business—in the course of business."
"Is it money that's been left me—or—anything of that sort?"
"It quite pains me, I assure you, Mr. Titmouse, to suppose that our having put this advertisement into the papers may have misled you, and excited false hopes—I think, by the way"—added Gammon, suddenly, as something occurred to him of their previous conversation, which he was not quite sure of—"you told me that that Bible had been given you by your father."
"Oh yes, sir! yes—- no doubt of it; surely that can't signify, seeing he's dead, and I'm his only son?" asked Titmouse, quickly and eagerly.