It is a business principle of mine, in such a case, not to close up any direction, but to keep an eye on every direction that may present itself.

I could relate an anecdote in point, but that it would be premature.' 'If Miss Rosa will allow me, then?
Let the gentleman come in,' said Mr.
Crisparkle.
The gentleman came in; apologised, with a frank but modest grace, for not finding Mr.Crisparkle alone; turned to Mr.Crisparkle, and smilingly asked the unexpected question: 'Who am I ?' 'You are the gentleman I saw smoking under the trees in Staple Inn, a few minutes ago.' 'True.

There I saw you.

Who else am I ?' Mr.Crisparkle concentrated his attention on a handsome face, much sunburnt; and the ghost of some departed boy seemed to rise, gradually and dimly, in the room.
The gentleman saw a struggling recollection lighten up the Minor Canon's features, and smiling again, said: 'What will you have for breakfast this morning?
You are out of jam.' 'Wait a moment!' cried Mr.Crisparkle, raising his right hand.

'Give me another instant! Tartar!' The two shook hands with the greatest heartiness, and then went the wonderful length--for Englishmen--of laying their hands each on the other's shoulders, and looking joyfully each into the other's face.
'My old fag!' said Mr.Crisparkle.
'My old master!' said Mr.Tartar.
'You saved me from drowning!' said Mr.Crisparkle.
'After which you took to swimming, you know!' said Mr.Tartar.
'God bless my soul!' said Mr.Crisparkle.
'Amen!' said Mr.Tartar.
And then they fell to shaking hands most heartily again.
'Imagine,' exclaimed Mr.Crisparkle, with glistening eyes: 'Miss Rosa Bud and Mr.Grewgious, imagine Mr.Tartar, when he was the smallest of juniors, diving for me, catching me, a big heavy senior, by the hair of the head, and striking out for the shore with me like a water-giant!' 'Imagine my not letting him sink, as I was his fag!' said Mr.Tartar.
'But the truth being that he was my best protector and friend, and did me more good than all the masters put together, an irrational impulse seized me to pick him up, or go down with him.' 'Hem! Permit me, sir, to have the honour,' said Mr.Grewgious, advancing with extended hand, 'for an honour I truly esteem it.