Pagina 446 di 657

"I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an

address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?'

"'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just

at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both

an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.'

"'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if

I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional

qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter

that you wished to speak to me?'

"'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to

the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute

secrecy is quite essential-absolute secrecy, you understand, and

of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than

from one who lives in the bosom of his family.'

"'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely

depend upon my doing so.'