12/18 'You were differently dressed at that time, and I only passed you in the street, but I should know you again. You were beadle here, once; were you not ?' 'I was,' said Mr.Bumble, in some surprise; 'porochial beadle.' 'Just so,' rejoined the other, nodding his head. 'It was in that character I saw you. What are you now ?' 'Master of the workhouse,' rejoined Mr.Bumble, slowly and impressively, to check any undue familiarity the stranger might otherwise assume. 'Master of the workhouse, young man!' 'You have the same eye to your own interest, that you always had, I doubt not ?' resumed the stranger, looking keenly into Mr.Bumble's eyes, as he raised them in astonishment at the question. |