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"Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very

much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission

which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was

glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked

had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that

this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face

and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon

me, and I could not think that his explanation of the

fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my

coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell

anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate

a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having

obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue.