He was both surprised and troubled; yet concealed, as far as possible, the real state of his feelings.
"So far as Mr.Melleville is concerned," said he, "I wish you to understand, that I applied to _him_ for the situation." "Exactly! That is in agreement with what I heard.

I was such a rogue that you could not live with me and keep a clear conscience--so you sought for a place with an honest man." Claire dropped his eyes to the floor, and stood musing for some considerable time.

When he raised them, he looked steadily at his employer and said-- "Mr.Jasper, I never made use of the words you have repeated." "If not the very words, those of a like signification ?" "To whom?
There is no need of concealment, Mr.Jasper." Claire was feeling less and less anxious for the result of this conference every moment.

"Speak out freely, and you will find me ready to do the same.

There had been some underhand work here--or some betrayal of an ill-advised confidence.