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"Well!" said that good-natured emissary, after a full half-hour

of bootless attempts to bring him round to the question. "I have

been to Soho."

"To Soho?" repeated Mr. Stryver, coldly. "Oh, to be sure! What am

I thinking of!"

"And I have no doubt," said Mr. Lorry, "that I was right in the

conversation we had. My opinion is confirmed, and I reiterate my

advice."

"I assure you," returned Mr. Stryver, in the friendliest way,

"that I am sorry for it on your account, and sorry for it on the

poor father's account. I know this must always be a sore subject

with the family; let us say no more about it."

"I don't understand you," said Mr. Lorry.

"I dare say not," rejoined Stryver, nodding his head in a

smoothing and final way; "no matter, no matter."

"But it does matter," Mr. Lorry urged.