He scarcely spoke above a whisper; but his words, nevertheless, were clearly distinguishable.

I did not call to mind the sound of his voice, but his words called up a train of recollections.
"Lo!" said he, carelessly, "this from the _Nabob_!" An incident so slight as this was sufficient to open a spacious scene of meditation.

This little word, half whispered in a thoughtless mood, was a key to unlock an extensive cabinet of secrets.

Thetford was probably indifferent whether his exclamation were overheard.

Little did he think on the inferences which would be built upon it.
"The Nabob!" By this appellation had some one been denoted in the chamber dialogue of which I had been an unsuspected auditor.