I could bear suspense no longer, and plunged into my book.
How it was in these circumstances that I heard what the two clerks were saying, I don't know.

They talked constantly in these open enclosures, when they knew I was within hearing.

On this occasion I suppose they thought I had gone out, and it was some minutes before I discovered that they were talking of me.

Burton spoke first, and in an irritated tone.
"You treat this young shaver precious different to the last one." The Jew spoke very softly, and with an occasional softening of the consonants in his words.

"How obsherving you are!" said he.
Burton snorted.