What IS your
business, Tom?'
It was Tom's turn to be embarrassed now; but he plainly said, after a
little hesitation:
'Why, I am not at liberty to say what it is, Martin; though I hope
soon to be in a condition to do so, and am aware of no other reason
to prevent my doing so now, than the request of my employer. It's an
awkward position to be placed in,' said Tom, with an uneasy sense of
seeming to doubt his friend, 'as I feel every day; but I really cannot
help it, can I, John?'
John Westlock replied in the negative; and Martin, expressing himself
perfectly satisfied, begged them not to say another word; though he
could not help wondering very much what curious office Tom held, and why
he was so secret, and embarrassed, and unlike himself, in reference to
it. Nor could he help reverting to it, in his own mind, several times
after Tom went away, which he did as soon as this conversation was
ended, taking Mr Tapley with him, who, as he laughingly said, might
accompany him as far as Fleet Street without injury.
'And what do you mean to do, Mark?' asked Tom, as they walked on
together.
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