'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.' "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye.
"'Do you promise, then ?' said he at last.
"'Yes, I promise.' "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after?
No reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing ?' "'I have already given you my word.' "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning across the room he flung open the door.