said Wemmick, gravely in my ear, as he took my arm to be more confidential; “I don't know that Mr. Jaggers does a better thing than the way in which he keeps himself so high. He's always so high. His constant height is of a piece with his immense abilities. That Colonel durst no more take leave of him, than that turnkey durst ask him his intentions respecting a case. Then, between his height and them, he slips in his subordinate, — don't you see? — and so he has 'em, soul and body.”

I was very much impressed, and not for the first time, by my guardian's subtlety.

To confess the truth, I very heartily wished, and not for the first time, that I had had some other guardian of minor abilities.

Mr. Wemmick and I parted at the office