Such were the facts as far as they were known at Messrs. Slow and Bideawhile’s office,—­from whom no slightest rumour emanated; and as they had been in part collected by Squercum, who was probably less prudent.  The Bideawhiles were still perfectly sure that Dolly had signed the letter, believing the young man to be quite incapable of knowing on any day what he had done on the day before.

Squercum was quite sure that his client had not signed it.  And it must be owned on Dolly’s behalf that his manner on this occasion was qualified to convince.  ‘Yes,’ he said to Squercum; ’it’s easy saying that I’m lack-a-daisical.  But I know when I’m lack-a-daisical and when I’m not.  Awake or asleep, drunk or sober...