There was something in this simple memento of a blighted childhood, and in the tenderness of Mrs Boffin, that touched the Secretary.
Mr Boffin then showed his new man of business the Mounds, and his own particular Mound which had been left him as his legacy under the will before he acquired the whole estate.
'It would have been enough for us,' said Mr Boffin, 'in case it had pleased God to spare the last of those two young lives and sorrowful deaths.

We didn't want the rest.' At the treasures of the yard, and at the outside of the house, and at the detached building which Mr Boffin pointed out as the residence of himself and his wife during the many years of their service, the Secretary looked with interest.

It was not until Mr Boffin had shown him every wonder of the Bower twice over, that he remembered his having duties to discharge elsewhere.
'You have no instructions to give me, Mr Boffin, in reference to this place ?' 'Not any, Rokesmith.

No.' 'Might I ask, without seeming impertinent, whether you have any intention of selling it ?' 'Certainly not.

In remembrance of our old master, our old master's children, and our old service, me and Mrs Boffin mean to keep it up as it stands.' The Secretary's eyes glanced with so much meaning in them at the Mounds, that Mr Boffin said, as if in answer to a remark: 'Ay, ay, that's another thing.