Book The First: Poverty Chapter 22 A Puzzle

He was not surprised by the attentions he received from Mr Chivery when
that officer was on the lock, for he made little distinction between
Mr Chivery's politeness and that of the other turnkeys. It was on one
particular afternoon that Mr Chivery surprised him all at once, and
stood forth from his companions in bold relief.

Mr Chivery, by some artful exercise of his power of clearing the Lodge,
had contrived to rid it of all sauntering Collegians; so that Clennam,
coming out of the prison, should find him on duty alone.

'(Private) I ask your pardon, sir,' said Mr Chivery in a secret manner;
'but which way might you be going?' 'I am going over the Bridge.'

He saw in Mr Chivery, with some
astonishment, quite an Allegory of Silence, as he stood with his key on
his lips. '(Private) I ask your pardon again,' said Mr Chivery, 'but could you go
round by Horsemonger Lane?

Could you by any means find time to look in
at that address?' handing him a little card, printed for circulation
among the connection of Chivery and Co., Tobacconists, Importers of pure
Havannah Cigars, Bengal Cheroots, and fine-flavoured Cubas, Dealers in
Fancy Snuffs, &C. &C. '(Private) It an't tobacco business,' said Mr Chivery.'The truth is,
it's my wife. She's wishful to say a word to you, sir, upon a point
respecting--yes,' said Mr Chivery, answering Clennam's look of
apprehension with a nod, 'respecting her.'