Bartleby seemed to be keeping a secret. Everyone has a right to privacy. In general, however, people are all too willing to talk about thier personal life. Why didn't Bartleby prefer to talk? Why didn't he prefer to reveal the facts of his personal life? I think Bartleby's secret was keeping him from asking for help. If I were the narrator or one of his co-workers, I would be concerned. I would launch my own investigation and try to help poor Bartleby. I wouldn't try to push him out of my life by offering bribes of money.