MrFledgebyshookhisheaddeploringlyatTwemlow，andmutelyexpressedinreferencetothevenerablefigurestandingbeforehimwitheyesupontheground:'WhataMonsterofanIsraelitethisis！'
　　'MrRiah，'saidFledgeby。
　　TheoldmanlifteduphiseyesoncemoretothelittleeyesinMrFledgeby'shead，withsomerevivinghopethatthesignmightbecomingyet。
　　'MrRiah，it'sofnousemyholdingbackthefact。There'sacertaingreatpartyinthebackgroundinMrTwemlow'scase，andyouknowit。
　　'Iknowit，'theoldmanadmitted。
　　'Now，I'llputitasaplainpointofbusiness，MrRiah。Areyoufullydeterminedasaplainpointofbusinesseithertohavethatsaidgreatparty'ssecurity，orthatsaidgreatparty'smoney?'
　　'Fullydetermined，'answeredRiah，ashereadhismaster'sface，andlearntthebook。
　　'Notatallcaringfor，andindeedasitseemstomeratherenjoying，'
　　saidFledgeby，withpeculiarunction，'thepreciouskick-upandrowthatwillcomeoffbetweenMrTwemlowandthesaidgreatparty?'
　　Thisrequirednoanswer，andreceivednone。PoorMrTwemlow，whohadbetrayedthekeenestmentalterrorssincehisnoblekinsmanloomedintheperspective，rosewithasightotakehisdeparture。'Ithankyouverymuch，sir，'hesaid，offeringFledgebyhisfeverishhand。'Youhavedonemeanunmeritedservice。
　　Thankyou，thankyou！'
　　'Don'tmentionit，'answeredFledgeby。'It'safailuresofar，butI'llstaybehind，andtakeanothertouchatMrRiah。'
　　'DonotdeceiveyourselfMrTwemlow，'saidtheJew，thenaddressinghimdirectlyforthefirsttime。'Thereisnohopeforyou。Youmustexpectnoleniencyhere。Youmustpayinfull，andyoucannotpaytoopromptly，oryouwillbeputtoheavycharges。
　　Trustnothingtome，sir。Money，money，money。'Whenhehadsaidthesewordsinanemphaticmanner，heacknowledgedMrTwemlow'sstillpolitemotionofhishead，andthatamiablelittleworthytookhisdepartureinthelowestspirits。
　　FascinationFledgebywasinsuchamerryveinwhenthecounting-
　　housewasclearedofhim，thathehadnothingforitbuttogotothewindow，andleanhisarmsontheframeoftheblind，andhavehissilentlaughout，withhisbacktohissubordinate。Whenheturnedroundagainwithacomposedcountenance，hissubordinatestillstoodinthesameplace，andthedolls'dressmakersatbehindthedoorwithalookofhorror。
　　'Halloa！'criedMrFledgeby，'you'reforgettingthisyounglady，MrRiah，andshehasbeenwaitinglongenoughtoo。Sellherherwaste，please，andgivehergoodmeasureifyoucanmakeupyourmindtodotheliberalthingforonce。'
　　Helookedonforatime，astheJewfilledherlittlebasketwithsuchscrapsasshewasusedtobuy；but，hismerryveincomingonagain，hewasobligedtoturnroundtothewindowoncemore，andleanhisarmsontheblind。
　　'There，myCinderelladear，'saidtheoldmaninawhisper，andwithaworn-outlook，'thebasket'sfullnow。Blessyou！Andgetyougone！'
　　'Don'tcallmeyourCinderelladear，'returnedMissWren。'Oyoucruelgodmother！'
　　Sheshookthatemphaticlittleforefingerofhersinhisfaceatparting，asearnestlyandreproachfullyasshehadevershakenitathergrimoldchildathome。
　　'Youarenotthegodmotheratall！'saidshe。'YouaretheWolfintheForest，thewickedWolf！AndifevermydearLizzieissoldandbetrayed，Ishallknowwhosoldandbetrayedher！'
　　Chapter14
　　MRWEGGPREPARESAGRINDSTONEFORMRBOFFIN'SNOSE
　　HavingassistedatafewmoreexpositionsofthelivesofMisers，MrVenusbecamealmostindispensabletotheeveningsattheBower。ThecircumstanceofhavinganotherlistenertothewondersunfoldedbyWegg，or，asitwere，anothercalculatortocastuptheguineasfoundinteapots，chimneys，racksandmangers，andothersuchbanksofdeposit，seemedgreatlytoheightenMrBoffin'senjoyment；whileSilasWegg，forhispart，thoughofajealoustemperamentwhichmightunderordinarycircumstanceshaveresentedtheanatomist'sgettingintofavour，wassoveryanxioustokeephiseyeonthatgentleman——lest，beingtoomuchlefttohimself，heshouldbetemptedtoplayanytrickswiththepreciousdocumentinhiskeeping——thatheneverlostanopportunityofcommendinghimtoMrBoffin'snoticeasathirdpartywhosecompanywasmuchtobedesired。AnotherfriendlydemonstrationtowardshimMrWeggnowregularlygratified。
　　Aftereachsittingwasover，andthepatronhaddeparted，MrWegginvariablysawMrVenushome。Tobesure，heasinvariablyrequestedtoberefreshedwithasightofthepaperinwhichhewasajointproprietor；butheneverfailedtoremarkthatitwasthegreatpleasurehederivedfromMrVenus'simprovingsocietywhichhadinsensiblyluredhimroundtoClerkenwellagain，andthat，findinghimselfoncemoreattractedtothespotbythesocialpowersofMrV。，hewouldbegleavetogothroughthatlittleincidentalprocedure，asamatterofform。'ForwellIknow，sir，'MrWeggwouldadd，'thatamanofyourdelicatemindwouldwishtobecheckedoffwhenevertheopportunityarises，anditisnotformetobaulkyourfeelings。'
　　AcertainrustinessinMrVenus，whichneverbecamesolubricatedbytheoilofMrWeggbutthatheturnedunderthescrewinacreakingandstiffmanner，wasverynoticeableataboutthisperiod。Whileassistingattheliteraryevenings，heevenwentsofar，ontwoorthreeoccasions，astocorrectMrWeggwhenhegrosslymispronouncedaword，ormadenonsenseofapassage；
　　insomuchthatMrWeggtooktosurveyinghiscourseintheday，andtomakingarrangementsforgettingroundrocksatnightinsteadofrunningstraightuponthem。Oftheslightestanatomicalreferencehebecameparticularlyshy，and，ifhesawaboneahead，wouldgoanydistanceoutofhiswayratherthanmentionitbyname。
　　TheadversedestiniesordainedthatoneeveningMrWegg'slabouringbarkbecamebesetbypolysyllables，andembarrassedamongaperfectarchipelagoofhardwords。Itbeingnecessarytotakesoundingseveryminute，andtofeelthewaywiththegreatestcaution，MrWegg'sattentionwasfullyemployed。AdvantagewastakenofthisdilemmabyMrVenus，topassascrapofpaperintoMrBoffin'shand，andlayhisfingeronhisownlip。
　　WhenMrBoffingothomeatnighthefoundthatthepapercontainedMrVenus'scardandthesewords:'Shouldbegladtobehonouredwithacallrespectingbusinessofyourown，aboutduskonanearlyevening。'
　　TheverynexteveningsawMrBoffinpeepinginatthepreservedfrogsinMrVenus'sshop-window，andsawMrVenusespyingMrBoffinwiththereadinessofoneonthealert，andbeckoningthatgentlemanintohisinterior。Responding，MrBoffinwasinvitedtoseathimselfontheboxofhumanmiscellaniesbeforethefire，anddidso，lookingroundtheplacewithadmiringeyes。Thefirebeinglowandfitful，andtheduskgloomy，thewholestockseemedtobewinkingandblinkingwithbotheyes，asMrVenusdid。TheFrenchgentleman，thoughhehadnoeyes，wasnotatallbehind-
　　hand，butappeared，astheflameroseandfell，toopenandshuthisnoeyes，withtheregularityoftheglass-eyeddogsandducksandbirds。Thebig-headedbabieswereequallyobliginginlendingtheirgrotesqueaidtothegeneraleffect。
　　'Yousee，MrVenus，I'velostnotime，'saidMrBoffin。'HereIam。'
　　'Hereyouare，sir，'assentedMrVenus。
　　'Idon'tlikesecrecy，'pursuedMrBoffin——'atleast，notinageneralwayIdon't——butIdaresayyou'llshowmegoodreasonforbeingsecretsofar。'
　　'IthinkIshall，sir，'returnedVenus。
　　'Good，'saidMrBoffin。'Youdon'texpectWegg，Itakeitforgranted?'
　　'No，sir。Iexpectnoonebutthepresentcompany。'
　　MrBoffinglancedabouthim，asacceptingunderthatinclusivedenominationtheFrenchgentlemanandthecircleinwhichhedidn'tmove，andrepeated，'Thepresentcompany。'
　　'Sir，'saidMrVenus，'beforeenteringuponbusiness，Ishallhavetoaskyouforyourwordandhonourthatweareinconfidence。'
　　'Let'swaitabitandunderstandwhattheexpressionmeans，'
　　answeredMrBoffin。'Inconfidenceforhowlong?Inconfidenceforeverandaday?'
　　'Itakeyourhint，sir，'saidVenus；'youthinkyoumightconsiderthebusiness，whenyoucametoknowit，tobeofanatureincompatiblewithconfidenceonyourpart?'
　　'Imight，'saidMrBoffinwithacautiouslook。
　　'True，sir。Well，sir，'observedVenus，afterclutchingathisdustyhair，tobrightenhisideas，'letusputitanotherway。Iopenthebusinesswithyou，relyinguponyourhonournottodoanythinginit，andnottomentionmeinit，withoutmyknowledge。'
　　'Thatsoundsfair，'saidMrBoffin。'Iagreetothat。'
　　'Ihaveyourwordandhonour，sir?'
　　'Mygoodfellow，'retortedMrBoffin，'youhavemyword；andhowyoucanhavethat，withoutmyhonourtoo，Idon'tknow。I'vesortedalotofdustinmytime，butIneverknewthetwothingsgointoseparateheaps。'
　　ThisremarkseemedrathertoabashMrVenus。Hehesitated，andsaid，'Verytrue，sir；'andagain，'Verytrue，sir，'beforeresumingthethreadofhisdiscourse。
　　'MrBoffin，ifIconfesstoyouthatIfellintoaproposalofwhichyouwerethesubject，andofwhichyououghtn'ttohavebeenthesubject，youwillallowmetomention，andwillpleasetakeintofavourableconsideration，thatIwasinacrushedstateofmindatthetime。'
　　TheGoldenDustman，withhishandsfoldedonthetopofhisstoutstick，withhischinrestinguponthem，andwithsomethingleeringandwhimsicalinhiseyes，gaveanod，andsaid，'Quiteso，Venus。'
　　'Thatproposal，sir，wasaconspiringbreachofyourconfidence，tosuchanextent，thatIoughtatoncetohavemadeitknowntoyou。
　　ButIdidn't，MrBoffin，andIfellintoit。'
　　Withoutmovingeyeorfinger，MrBoffingaveanothernod，andplacidlyrepeated，'Quiteso，Venus。'
　　'NotthatIwaseverheartyinit，sir，'thepenitentanatomistwenton，'orthatIeverviewedmyselfwithanythingbutreproachforhavingturnedoutofthepathsofscienceintothepathsof——'hewasgoingtosay'villany，'but，unwillingtopresstooharduponhimself，substitutedwithgreatemphasis——'Weggery。'
　　Placidandwhimsicaloflookasever，MrBoffinanswered:
　　'Quiteso，Venus。'
　　'Andnow，sir，'saidVenus，'havingpreparedyourmindintherough，Iwillarticulatethedetails。'Withwhichbriefprofessionalexordium，heenteredonthehistoryofthefriendlymove，andtrulyrecountedit。Onemighthavethoughtthatitwouldhaveextractedsomeshowofsurpriseoranger，orotheremotion，fromMrBoffin，butitextractednothingbeyondhisformercomment:
　　'Quiteso，Venus。'
　　'Ihaveastonishedyou，sir，Ibelieve?'saidMrVenus，pausingdubiously。
　　MrBoffinsimplyansweredasaforesaid:'Quiteso，Venus。'
　　Bythistimetheastonishmentwasallontheotherside。Itdidnot，however，socontinue。For，whenVenuspassedtoWegg'sdiscovery，andfromthattotheirhavingbothseenMrBoffindiguptheDutchbottle，thatgentlemanchangedcolour，changedhisattitude，becameextremelyrestless，andendedwhenVenusendedbybeinginastateofmanifestanxiety，trepidation，andconfusion。
　　'Now，sir，'saidVenus，finishingoff；'youbestknowwhatwasinthatDutchbottle，andwhyyoudugitup，andtookitaway。Idon'tpretendtoknowanythingmoreaboutitthanIsaw。AllIknowisthis:Iamproudofmycallingafterallthoughithasbeenattendedbyonedreadfuldrawbackwhichhastolduponmyheart，andalmostequallyuponmyskeleton，andImeantolivebymycalling。Puttingthesamemeaningintootherwords，Idonotmeantoturnasingledishonestpennybythisaffair。AsthebestamendsIcanmakeyouforhavingevergoneintoit，Imakeknowntoyou，asawarning，whatWegghasfoundout。Myopinionis，thatWeggisnottobesilencedatamodestprice，andIbuildthatopiniononhisbeginningtodisposeofyourpropertythemomentheknewhispower。Whetherit'sworthyourwhiletosilencehimatanyprice，youwilldecideforyourself，andtakeyourmeasuresaccordingly。AsfarasIamconcerned，Ihavenoprice。IfIamevercalleduponforthetruth，Itellit，butIwanttodonomorethanIhavenowdoneandended。'
　　'Thank'ee，Venus！'saidMrBoffin，withaheartygripofhishand；
　　'thank'ee，Venus，thank'ee，Venus！'Andthenwalkedupanddownthelittleshopingreatagitation。'Butlookhere，Venus，'heby-
　　and-byresumed，nervouslysittingdownagain；'ifIhavetobuyWeggup，Ishan'tbuyhimanycheaperforyourbeingoutofit。
　　Insteadofhishavinghalfthemoney——itwastohavebeenhalf，I
　　suppose?Shareandsharealike?'
　　'Itwastohavebeenhalf，sir，'answeredVenus。
　　'Insteadofthat，he'llnowhaveall。Ishallpaythesame，ifnotmore。Foryoutellmehe'sanunconscionabledog，aravenousrascal。'
　　'Heis，'saidVenus。
　　'Don'tyouthink，Venus，'insinuatedMrBoffin，afterlookingatthefireforawhile——'don'tyoufeelasif——youmightliketopretendtobeinittillWeggwasboughtup，andtheneaseyourmindbyhandingovertomewhatyouhadmadebelievetopocket?'
　　'NoIdon't，sir，'returnedVenus，verypositively。
　　'Nottomakeamends?'insinuatedMrBoffin。
　　'No，sir。Itseemstome，aftermaturelythinkingitover，thatthebestamendsforhavinggotoutofthesquareistogetbackintothesquare。'
　　'Humph！'musedMrBoffin。'Whenyousaythesquare，youmean——'
　　'Imean，'saidVenus，stoutlyandshortly，'theright。'
　　'Itappearstome，'saidMrBoffin，grumblingoverthefireinaninjuredmanner，'thattherightiswithme，ifit'sanywhere。Ihavemuchmorerighttotheoldman'smoneythantheCrowncaneverhave。WhatwastheCrowntohimexcepttheKing'sTaxes?
　　Whereas，meandmywife，wewasallinalltohim。'
　　MrVenus，withhisheaduponhishands，renderedmelancholybythecontemplationofMrBoffin'savarice，onlymurmuredtosteephimselfintheluxuryofthatframeofmind:'Shedidnotwishsotoregardherself，noryettobesoregarded。'
　　'AndhowamItolive，'askedMrBoffin，piteously，'ifI'mtobegoingbuyingfellowsupoutofthelittlethatI'vegot?AndhowamItosetaboutit?WhenamItogetmymoneyready?WhenamI
　　tomakeabid?Youhaven'ttoldmewhenhethreatenstodropdownuponme。'
　　Venusexplainedunderwhatconditions，andwithwhatviews，thedroppingdownuponMrBoffinwasheldoveruntiltheMoundsshouldbeclearedaway。MrBoffinlistenedattentively。'I
　　suppose，'saidhe，withagleamofhope，'there'snodoubtaboutthegenuinenessanddateofthisconfoundedwill?'
　　'Nonewhatever，'saidMrVenus。
　　'Wheremightitbedepositedatpresent?'askedMrBoffin，inawheedlingtone。
　　'It'sinmypossession，sir。'
　　'Isit?'hecried，withgreateagerness。'Now，foranyliberalsumofmoneythatcouldbeagreedupon，Venus，wouldyouputitinthefire?'
　　'No，sir，Iwouldn't，'interruptedMrVenus。
　　'Norpassitovertome?'
　　'Thatwouldbethesamething。No，sir，'saidMrVenus。
　　TheGoldenDustmanseemedabouttopursuethesequestions，whenastumpingnoisewasheardoutside，comingtowardsthedoor。'Hush！here'sWegg！'saidVenus。'Getbehindtheyoungalligatorinthecorner，MrBoffin，andjudgehimforyourself。I
　　won'tlightacandletillhe'sgone；there'llonlybetheglowofthefire；Wegg'swellacquaintedwiththealligator，andhewon'ttakeparticularnoticeofhim。Drawyourlegsin，MrBoffin，atpresentI
　　seeapairofshoesattheendofhistail。Getyourheadwellbehindhissmile，MrBoffin，andyou'llliecomfortablethere；you'llfindplentyofroombehindhissmile。He'salittledusty，buthe'sverylikeyouintone。Areyouright，sir?'
　　MrBoffinhadbutwhisperedanaffirmativeresponse，whenWeggcamestumpingin。'Partner，'saidthatgentlemaninasprightlymanner，'how'syourself?'
　　'Tolerable，'returnedMrVenus。'Notmuchtoboastof。'
　　'In-deed！'saidWegg:'sorry，partner，thatyou'renotpickingupfaster，butyoursoul'stoolargeforyourbody，sir；that'swhereitis。
　　Andhow'sourstockintrade，partner?Safebind，safefind，partner?Isthataboutit?'
　　'Doyouwishtoseeit?'askedVenus。
　　'Ifyouplease，partner，'saidWegg，rubbinghishands。'Iwishtoseeitjintlywithyourself。Or，insimilarwordstosomethatwassettomusicsometimeback:
　　“Iwishyoutoseeitwithyoureyes，AndIwillpledgewithmine。”'
　　Turninghisbackandturningakey，MrVenusproducedthedocument，holdingonbyhisusualcorner。MrWegg，holdingonbytheoppositecorner，satdownontheseatsolatelyvacatedbyMrBoffin，andlookeditover。'Allright，sir，'heslowlyandunwillinglyadmitted，inhisreluctancetoloosehishold，'allright！'
　　Andgreedilywatchedhispartnerasheturnedhisbackagain，andturnedhiskeyagain。
　　'There'snothingnew，Isuppose?'saidVenus，resuminghislowchairbehindthecounter。
　　'Yesthereis，sir，'repliedWegg；'therewassomethingnewthismorning。Thatfoxeyoldgrasperandgriper——'
　　'MrBoffin?'inquiredVenus，withaglancetowardsthealligator'syardortwoofsmile。
　　'Misterbeblowed！'criedWegg，yieldingtohishonestindignation。
　　'Boffin。DustyBoffin。Thatfoxeyoldgrunterandgrinder，sir，turnsintotheyardthismorning，tomeddlewithourproperty，amenialtoolofhisown，ayoungmanbythenameofSloppy。Ecod，whenIsaytohim，“Whatdoyouwanthere，youngman?Thisisaprivateyard，“hepullsoutapaperfromBoffin'sotherblackguard，theoneIwaspassedoverfor。“ThisistoauthorizeSloppytooverlookthecartingandtowatchthework。”That'sprettystrong，I
　　think，MrVenus?'
　　'Rememberhedoesn'tknowyetofourclaimontheproperty，'
　　suggestedVenus。
　　'Thenhemusthaveahintofit，'saidWegg，'andastrongonethat'lljoghisterrorsabit。Givehimaninch，andhe'lltakeanell。Lethimalonethistime，andwhat'llhedowithourpropertynext?I
　　tellyouwhat，MrVenus；itcomestothis；ImustbeoverbearingwithBoffin，orIshallflyintoseveralpieces。Ican'tcontainmyselfwhenIlookathim。EverytimeIseehimputtinghishandinhispocket，Iseehimputtingitintomypocket。EverytimeIhearhimjinglinghismoney，Ihearhimtakinglibertieswithmymoney。
　　Fleshandbloodcan'tbearit。No，'saidMrWegg，greatlyexasperated，'andI'llgofurther。Awoodenlegcan'tbearit！'
　　'But，MrWegg，'urgedVenus，'itwasyourownideathatheshouldnotbeexplodedupon，tilltheMoundswerecartedaway。'
　　'Butitwaslikewisemyidea，MrVenus，'retortedWegg，'thatifhecamesneakingandsniffingabouttheproperty，heshouldbethreatened，giventounderstandthathehasnorighttoit，andbemadeourslave。Wasn'tthatmyidea，MrVenus?'
　　'Itcertainlywas，MrWegg。'
　　'Itcertainlywas，asyousay，partner，'assentedWegg，putintoabetterhumourbythereadyadmission。'Verywell。Iconsiderhisplantingoneofhismenialtoolsintheyard，anactofsneakingandsniffing。Andhisnoseshallbeputtothegrindstoneforit。'
　　'Itwasnotyourfault，MrWegg，Imustadmit，'saidVenus，'thathegotoffwiththeDutchbottlethatnight。'
　　'Asyouhandsomelysayagain，partner！No，itwasnotmyfault。
　　I'dhavehadthatbottleoutofhim。Wasittobebornethatheshouldcome，likeathiefinthedark，diggingamongstuffthatwasfarmoreoursthanhisseeingthatwecoulddeprivehimofeverygrainofit，ifhedidn'tbuyusatourownfigure，andcarryingofftreasurefromitsbowels?No，itwasnottobeborne。Andforthat，too，hisnoseshallbeputtothegrindstone。'
　　'Howdoyouproposetodoit，MrWegg?'
　　'Toputhisnosetothegrindstone?Ipropose，'returnedthatestimableman，'toinsulthimopenly。And，iflookingintothiseyeofmine，hedarestoofferawordinanswer，toretortuponhimbeforehecantakehisbreath，“Addanotherwordtothat，youdustyolddog，andyou'reabeggar。”'
　　'Supposehesaysnothing，MrWegg?'
　　'Then，'repliedWegg，'weshallhavecometoanunderstandingwithverylittletrouble，andI'llbreakhimanddrivehim，MrVenus。I'llputhiminharness，andI'llbearhimuptight，andI'llbreakhimanddrivehim。ThehardertheoldDustisdriven，sir，thehigherhe'llpay。AndImeantobepaidhigh，MrVenus，I
　　promiseyou。'
　　'Youspeakquiterevengefully，MrWegg。'
　　'Revengefully，sir?IsitforhimthatIhavedeclinedandfalled，nightafternight?IsitforhispleasurethatI'vewaitedathomeofanevening，likeasetofskittles，tobesetupandknockedover，setupandknockedover，bywhateverballs——orbooks——hechosetobringagainstme?Why，I'mahundredtimesthemanheis，sir；
　　fivehundredtimes！'
　　PerhapsitwaswiththemaliciousintentofurginghimontohisworstthatMrVenuslookedasifhedoubtedthat。
　　'What?Wasitoutsidethehouseatpresentockypied，toitsdisgrace，bythatminionoffortuneandwormofthehour，'saidWegg，fallingbackuponhisstrongesttermsofreprobation，andslappingthecounter，'thatI，SilasWegg，fivehundredtimesthemanheeverwas，satinallweathers，waitingforaerrandoracustomer?WasitoutsidethatveryhouseasIfirstseteyesuponhim，rollinginthelapofluxury，whenIwassellinghalfpennyballadsthereforaliving?AndamItogrovelinthedustforHIM
　　towalkover?No！'
　　TherewasagrinupontheghastlycountenanceoftheFrenchgentlemanundertheinfluenceofthefirelight，asifhewerecomputinghowmanythousandslanderersandtraitorsarraythemselvesagainstthefortunate，onpremisesexactlyansweringtothoseofMrWegg。Onemighthavefanciedthatthebig-headedbabiesweretopplingoverwiththeirhydrocephalicattemptstoreckonupthechildrenofmenwhotransformtheirbenefactorsintotheirinjurersbythesameprocess。Theyardortwoofsmileonthepartofthealligatormighthavebeeninvestedwiththemeaning，'Allaboutthiswasquitefamiliarknowledgedowninthedepthsoftheslime，agesago。'
　　'But，'saidWegg，possiblywithsomeslightperceptiontotheforegoingeffect，'yourspeakingcountenanceremarks，MrVenus，thatI'mdullerandsavagerthanusual。PerhapsIHAVEallowedmyselftobroodtoomuch。Begone，dullCare！'Tisgone，sir。I'velookedinuponyou，andempireresumeshersway。For，asthesongsays——subjecttoyourcorrection，sir——
　　“Whentheheartofamanisdepressedwithcares，ThemistisdispelledifVenusappears。
　　Likethenotesofafiddle，yousweetly，sir，sweetly，Raisesourspiritsandcharmsourears。”
　　Good-night，sir。'
　　'Ishallhaveawordortwotosaytoyou，MrWegg，beforelong，'
　　remarkedVenus，'respectingmyshareintheprojectwe'vebeenspeakingof。'
　　'Mytime，sir，'returnedWegg，'isyours。InthemeanwhileletitbefullyunderstoodthatIshallnotneglectbringingthegrindstonetobear，noryetbringingDustyBoffin'snosetoit。Hisnoseoncebroughttoit，shallbeheldtoitbythesehands，MrVenus，tillthesparksfliesoutinshowers。'
　　WiththisagreeablepromiseWeggstumpedout，andshuttheshop-doorafterhim。'WaittillIlightacandle，MrBoffin，'saidVenus，'andyou'llcomeoutmorecomfortable。'So，helightingacandleandholdingitupatarm'slength，MrBoffindisengagedhimselffrombehindthealligator'ssmile，withanexpressionofcountenancesoverydowncastthatitnotonlyappearedasifthealligatorhadthewholeofthejoketohimself，butfurtherasifithadbeenconceivedandexecutedatMrBoffin'sexpense。
　　'That'satreacherousfellow，'saidMrBoffin，dustinghisarmsandlegsashecameforth，thealligatorhavingbeenbutmustycompany。'That'sadreadfulfellow。'
　　'Thealligator，sir?'saidVenus。
　　'No，Venus，no。TheSerpent。'
　　'You'llhavethegoodnesstonotice，MrBoffin，'remarkedVenus，'thatIsaidnothingtohimaboutmygoingoutoftheaffairaltogether，becauseIdidn'twishtotakeyouanywaysbysurprise。
　　ButIcan'tbetoosoonoutofitformysatisfaction，MrBoffin，andInowputittoyouwhenitwillsuityourviewsformetoretire?'
　　'Thank'ee，Venus，thank'ee，Venus；butIdon'tknowwhattosay，'
　　returnedMrBoflin，'Idon'tknowwhattodo。He'lldropdownonmeanyway。Heseemsfullydeterminedtodropdown；don'the?'
　　MrVenusopinedthatsuchwasclearlyhisintention。
　　'Youmightbeasortofprotectionforme，ifyouremainedinit，'
　　saidMrBoffin；'youmightstandbetwixthimandme，andtaketheedgeoffhim。Don'tyoufeelasifyoucouldmakeashowofremaininginit，Venus，tillIhadtimetoturnmyselfround?'
　　VenusnaturallyinquiredhowlongMrBoffinthoughtitmighttakehimtoturnhimselfround?
　　'IamsureIdon'tknow，'wastheanswer，givenquiteataloss。
　　'Everythingissoatsixesandsevens。IfIhadnevercomeintotheproperty，Ishouldn'thaveminded。Butbeinginit，itwouldbeverytryingtobeturnedout；now，don'tyouacknowledgethatitwould，Venus?'
　　MrVenuspreferred，hesaid，toleaveMrBoffintoarriveathisownconclusionsonthatdelicatequestion。
　　'IamsureIdon'tknowwhattodo，'saidMrBoffin。'IfIaskadviceofanyoneelse，it'sonlylettinginanotherpersontobeboughtout，andthenIshallberuinedthatway，andmightaswellhavegivenupthepropertyandgoneslaptotheworkhouse。IfI
　　wastotakeadviceofmyyoungman，Rokesmith，IshouldhavetobuyHIMout。Soonerorlater，ofcourse，he'ddropdownuponme，likeWegg。Iwasbroughtintotheworldtobedroppeddownupon，itappearstome。'
　　MrVenuslistenedtotheselamentationsinsilence，whileMrBoffinjoggedtoandfro，holdinghispocketsasifhehadapaininthem。
　　'Afterall，youhaven'tsaidwhatyoumeantodoyourself，Venus。
　　Whenyoudogooutofit，howdoyoumeantogo?'
　　VenusrepliedthatasWegghadfoundthedocumentandhandedittohim，itwashisintentiontohanditbacktoWegg，withthedeclarationthathehimselfwouldhavenothingtosaytoit，ordowithit，andthatWeggmustactashechose，andtaketheconsequences。
　　'AndthenhedropsdownwithhiswholeweightuponME！'criedMrBoffin，ruefully。'I'dsoonerbedroppeduponbyyouthanbyhim，orevenbyyoujintly，thanbyhimalone！'
　　MrVenuscouldonlyrepeatthatitwashisfixedintentiontobetakehimselftothepathsofscience，andtowalkinthesameallthedaysofhislife；notdroppingdownuponhisfellow-creaturesuntiltheyweredeceased，andthenonlytoarticulatethemtothebestofhishumbleability。
　　'Howlongcouldyoubepersuadedtokeepuptheappearanceofremaininginit?'askedMrBoffin，retiringonhisotheridea。
　　'Couldyoubegottodoso，tilltheMoundsaregone?'
　　No。ThatwouldprotractthementaluneasinessofMrVenustoolong，hesaid。
　　'NotifIwastoshowyoureasonnow?'demandedMrBoffin；'notifIwastoshowyougoodandsufficientreason?'
　　IfbygoodandsufficientreasonMrBoffinmeanthonestandunimpeachablereason，thatmightweighwithMrVenusagainsthispersonalwishesandconvenience。Buthemustaddthathesawnoopeningtothepossibilityofsuchreasonbeingshownhim。
　　'Comeandseeme，Venus，'saidMrBoffin，'atmyhouse。'
　　'Isthereasonthere，sir?'askedMrVenus，withanincreduloussmileandblink。
　　'Itmaybe，ormaynotbe，'saidMrBoffin，'justasyouviewit。Butinthemeantimedon'tgooutofthematter。Lookhere。Dothis。
　　Givemeyourwordthatyouwon'ttakeanystepswithWegg，withoutmyknowledge，justasIhavegivenyoumywordthatI
　　won'twithoutyours。'
　　'Done，MrBoffin！'saidVenus，afterbriefconsideration。
　　'Thank'ee，Venus，thank'ee，Venus！Done！'
　　'WhenshallIcometoseeyou，MrBoffin。'
　　'Whenyoulike。Thesoonerthebetter。Imustbegoingnow。
　　Good-night，Venus。'
　　'Good-night，sir。'
　　'Andgood-nighttotherestofthepresentcompany，'saidMrBoffin，glancingroundtheshop。'Theymakeaqueershow，Venus，andIshouldliketobebetteracquaintedwiththemsomeday。
　　Good-night，Venus，good-night！Thankee，Venus，thankee，Venus！'Withthathejoggedoutintothestreet，andjoggeduponhishomewardway。
　　'Now，Iwonder，'hemeditatedashewentalong，nursinghisstick，'whetheritcanbe，thatVenusissettinghimselftogetthebetterofWegg?Whetheritcanbe，thathemeans，whenIhaveboughtWeggout，tohavemealltohimselfandtopickmecleantothebones！'
　　Itwasacunningandsuspiciousidea，quiteinthewayofhisschoolofMisers，andhelookedverycunningandsuspiciousashewentjoggingthroughthestreets。Morethanonceortwice，morethantwiceorthrice，sayhalfadozentimes，hetookhisstickfromthearmonwhichhenursedit，andhitastraightsharprapattheairwithitshead。PossiblythewoodencountenanceofMrSilasWeggwasincorporeallybeforehimatthosemoments，forhehitwithintensesatisfaction。
　　Hewaswithinafewstreetsofhisownhouse，whenalittleprivatecarriage，cominginthecontrarydirection，passedhim，turnedround，andpassedhimagain。Itwasalittlecarriageofeccentricmovement，foragainhehearditstopbehindhimandturnround，andagainhesawitpasshim。Thenitstopped，andthenwenton，outofsight。But，notfaroutofsight，for，whenhecametothecornerofhisownstreet，thereitstoodagain。
　　Therewasalady'sfaceatthewindowashecameupwiththiscarriage，andhewaspassingitwhentheladysoftlycalledtohimbyhisname。
　　'Ibegyourpardon，Ma'am?'saidMrBoffin，comingtoastop。
　　'ItisMrsLammle，'saidthelady。
　　MrBoffinwentuptothewindow，andhopedMrsLammlewaswell。
　　'Notverywell，dearMrBoffin；Ihaveflutteredmyselfbybeing——
　　perhapsfoolishly——uneasyandanxious。Ihavebeenwaitingforyousometime。CanIspeaktoyou?'
　　MrBoffinproposedthatMrsLammleshoulddriveontohishouse，afewhundredyardsfurther。
　　'Iwouldrathernot，MrBoffin，unlessyouparticularlywishit。I
　　feelthedifficultyanddelicacyofthemattersomuchthatIwouldratheravoidspeakingtoyouatyourownhome。Youmustthinkthisverystrange?'
　　MrBoffinsaidno，butmeantyes。
　　'ItisbecauseIamsogratefulforthegoodopinionofallmyfriends，andamsotouchedbyit，thatIcannotbeartoruntheriskofforfeitingitinanycase，eveninthecauseofduty。IhaveaskedmyhusbandmydearAlfred，MrBoffinwhetheritisthecauseofduty，andhehasmostemphaticallysaidYes。IwishIhadaskedhimsooner。Itwouldhavesparedmemuchdistress。'
　　'Canthisbemoredroppingdownuponme！'thoughtMrBoffin，quitebewildered。
　　'ItwasAlfredwhosentmetoyou，MrBoffin。Alfredsaid，“Don'tcomeback，Sophronia，untilyouhaveseenMrBoffin，andtoldhimall。Whateverhemaythinkofit，heoughtcertainlytoknowit。”
　　Wouldyoumindcomingintothecarriage?'
　　MrBoffinanswered，'Notatall，'andtookhisseatatMrsLammle'sside。
　　'Driveslowlyanywhere，'MrsLammlecalledtohercoachman，'anddon'tletthecarriagerattle。'
　　'ItMUSThemoredroppingdown，Ithink，'saidMrBoffintohimself。'Whatnext?'
　　Chapter15
　　THEGOLDENDUSTMANATHISWORST
　　ThebreakfasttableatMrBoffin'swasusuallyaverypleasantone，andwasalwayspresidedoverbyBella。Asthoughhebeganeachnewdayinhishealthynaturalcharacter，andsomewakinghourswerenecessarytohisrelapseintothecorruptinginfluencesofhiswealth，thefaceandthedemeanouroftheGoldenDustmanweregenerallyuncloudedatthatmeal。Itwouldhavebeeneasytobelievethen，thattherewasnochangeinhim。Itwasasthedaywentonthatthecloudsgathered，andthebrightnessofthemornmgbecameobscured。Onemighthavesaidthattheshadowsofavariceanddistrustlengthenedashisownshadowlengthened，andthatthenightclosedaroundhimgradually。
　　But，onemorninglongafterwardstoberemembered，itwasblackmidnightwiththeGoldenDustmanwhenhefirstappeared。Hisalteredcharacterhadneverbeensogrosslymarked。HisbearingtowardshisSecretarywassochargedwithinsolentdistrustandarrogance，thatthelatterroseandleftthetablebeforebreakfastwashalfdone。ThelookhedirectedattheSecretary'sretiringfigurewassocunninglymalignant，thatBellawouldhavesatastoundedandindignant，eventhoughhehadnotgonethelengthofsecretlythreateningRokesmithwithhisclenchedfistasheclosedthedoor。Thisunluckymorning，ofallmorningsintheyear，wasthemorningnextafterMrBoffin'sinterviewwithMrsLammleinherlittlecarriage。
　　BellalookedtoMrsBoffin'sfaceforcommenton，orexplanationof，thisstormyhumourinherhusband，butnonewasthere。Ananxiousandadistressedobservationofherownfacewasallshecouldreadinit。Whentheywereleftalonetogether——whichwasnotuntilnoon，forMrBoffinsatlonginhiseasy-chair，byturnsjoggingupanddownthebreakfast-room，clenchinghisfistandmuttering——Bella，inconsternation，askedherwhathadhappened，whatwaswrong?'Iamforbiddentospeaktoyouaboutit，Belladear；Imustn'ttellyou，'wasalltheanswershecouldget。Andstill，whenever，inherwonderanddismay，sheraisedhereyestoMrsBoffin'sface，shesawinitthesameanxiousanddistressedobservationofherown。
　　Oppressedbyhersensethattroublewasimpending，andlostinspeculationswhyMrsBoffinshouldlookatherasifshehadanypartinit，Bellafoundthedaylonganddreary。Itwasfaronintheafternoonwhen，shebeinginherownroom，aservantbroughtheramessagefromMrBoffinbegginghertocometohis。
　　MrsBoffinwasthere，seatedonasofa，andMrBoffinwasjoggingupanddown。OnseeingBellahestopped，beckonedhertohim，anddrewherarmthroughhis。'Don'tbealarmed，mydear，'hesaid，gently；'Iamnotangrywithyou。Whyyouactuallytremble！
　　Don'tbealarmed，Bellamydear。I'llseeyourighted。'
　　'Seemerighted?'thoughtBella。Andthenrepeatedaloudinatoneofastonishment:'seemerighted，sir?'
　　'Ay，ay！'saidMrBoffin。'Seeyourighted。SendMrRokesmithhere，yousir。'
　　Bellawouldhavebeenlostinperplexityiftherehadbeenpauseenough；buttheservantfoundMrRokesmithnearathand，andhealmostimmediatelypresentedhimself。
　　'Shutthedoor，sir！'saidMrBoffin。'IhavegotsomethingtosaytoyouwhichIfancyyou'llnotbepleasedtohear。'
　　'Iamsorrytoreply，MrBoffin，'returnedtheSecretary，as，havingclosedthedoor，heturnedandfacedhim，'thatIthinkthatverylikely。'
　　'Whatdoyoumean?'blusteredMrBoffin。
　　'ImeanthatithasbecomenonoveltytometohearfromyourlipswhatIwouldrathernothear。'
　　'Oh！Perhapsweshallchangethat，'saidMrBoffinwithathreateningrollofhishead。
　　'Ihopeso，'returnedtheSecretary。Hewasquietandrespectful；
　　butstood，asBellathoughtandwasgladtothink，onhismanhoodtoo。
　　'Now，sir，'saidMrBoffin，'lookatthisyoungladyonmyarm。
　　Bellainvoluntarilyraisinghereyes，whenthissuddenreferencewasmadetoherself，metthoseofMrRokesmith。Hewaspaleandseemedagitated。ThenhereyespassedontoMrsBoffin's，andshemetthelookagain。Inaflashitenlightenedher，andshebegantounderstandwhatshehaddone。
　　'Isaytoyou，sir，'MrBoffinrepeated，'lookatthisyoungladyonmyarm。
　　'Idoso，'returnedtheSecretary。
　　AshisglancerestedagainonBellaforamoment，shethoughttherewasreproachinit。Butitispossiblethatthereproachwaswithinherself。
　　'Howdareyou，sir，'saidMrBoffin，'tamper，unknowntome，withthisyounglady?Howdareyoucomeoutofyourstation，andyourplaceinmyhouse，topesterthisyoungladywithyourimpudentaddresses?'
　　'Imustdeclinetoanswerquestions，'saidtheSecretary，'thataresooffensivelyasked。'
　　'Youdeclinetoanswer?'retortedMrBoffin。'Youdeclinetoanswer，doyou?ThenI'lltellyouwhatitis，Rokesmith；I'llanswerforyou。Therearetwosidestothismatter，andI'lltake'emseparately。Thefirstsideis，sheerInsolence。That'sthefirstside。'
　　TheSecretarysmiledwithsomebitterness，asthoughhewouldhavesaid，'SoIseeandhear。'
　　'ItwassheerInsolenceinyou，Itellyou，'saidMrBoffin，'eventothinkofthisyounglady。ThisyoungladywasfaraboveYOU。
　　ThisyoungladywasnomatchforYOU。Thisyoungladywaslyinginwaitasshewasqualifiedtodoformoney，andyouhadnomoney。'
　　BellahungherheadandseemedtoshrinkalittlefromMrBoffin'sprotectingarm。
　　'Whatareyou，Ishouldliketoknow，'pursuedMrBoffin，'thatyouweretohavetheaudacitytofollowupthisyounglady?Thisyoungladywaslookingaboutthemarketforagoodbid；shewasn'tinittobesnappedupbyfellowsthathadnomoneytolayout；nothingtobuywith。'
　　'Oh，MrBoffin！MrsBoffin，praysaysomethingforme！'
　　murmuredBella，disengagingherarm，andcoveringherfacewithherhands。
　　'Oldlady，'saidMrBoflin，anticipatinghiswife，'youholdyourtongue。Bella，mydear，don'tyouletyourselfbeputout。I'llrightyou。'
　　'Butyoudon't，youdon'trightme！'exclaimedBella，withgreatemphasis。'Youwrongme，wrongme！'
　　'Don'tyoubeputout，mydear，'complacentlyretortedMrBoffin。
　　'I'llbringthisyoungmantobook。Now，youRokesmith！Youcan'tdeclinetohear，youknow，aswellastoanswer。YouhearmetellyouthatthefirstsideofyourconductwasInsolence——InsolenceandPresumption。Answermeonething，ifyoucan。Didn'tthisyoungladytellyousoherself?'
　　'DidI，MrRokesmith?'askedBellawithherfacestillcovered。'O
　　say，MrRokesmith！DidI?'
　　'Don'tbedistressed，MissWilfer；itmattersverylittlenow。'
　　'Ah！Youcan'tdenyit，though！'saidMrBoffin，withaknowingshakeofhishead。
　　'ButIhaveaskedhimtoforgivemesince，'criedBella；'andI
　　wouldaskhimtoforgivemenowagain，uponmyknees，ifitwouldsparehim！'
　　HereMrsBoffinbrokeouta-crying。
　　'Oldlady，'saidMrBoffin，'stopthatnoise！Tender-heartedinyou，MissBella；butImeantohaveitoutrightthroughwiththisyoungman，havinggothimintoacorner。Now，youRokesmith。I
　　tellyouthat'sonesideofyourconduct——InsolenceandPresumption。Now，I'ma-comingtotheother，whichismuchworse。Thiswasaspeculationofyours。'
　　'Iindignantlydenyit。'
　　'It'sofnouseyourdenyingit；itdoesn'tsignifyabitwhetheryoudenyitornot；I'vegotaheaduponmyshoulders，anditain'tababy's。What！'saidMrBoffin，gatheringhimselftogetherinhismostsuspiciousattitude，andwrinklinghisfaceintoaverymapofcurvesandcorners。'Don'tIknowwhatgrabsaremadeatamanwithmoney?IfIdidn'tkeepmyeyesopen，andmypocketsbuttoned，shouldn'tIbebroughttotheworkhousebeforeIknewwhereIwas?Wasn'ttheexperienceofDancer，andElwes，andHopkins，andBlewburyJones，andeversomanymoreof'em，similartomine?Didn'teverybodywanttomakegrabsatwhatthey'dgot，andbring'emtopovertyandruin?Weren'ttheyforcedtohideeverythingbelongingto'em，forfearitshouldbesnatchedfrom'em?Ofcoursetheywas。Ishallbetoldnextthattheydidn'tknowhumannatur！'
　　'They！Poorcreatures，'murmuredtheSecretary。
　　'Whatdoyousay?'askedMrBoffin，snappingathim。'However，youneedn'tbeatthetroubleofrepeatingit，foritain'tworthhearing，andwon'tgodownwithME。I'ma-goingtounfoldyourplan，beforethisyounglady；I'ma-goingtoshowthisyoungladythesecondviewofyou；andnothingyoucansaywillstaveitoff。
　　Now，attendhere，Bella，mydear。Rokesmith，you'reaneedychap。You'reachapthatIpickupinthestreet。Areyou，orain'tyou?'
　　'Goon，MrBoflin；don'tappealtome。'
　　'NotappealtoYOU，'retortedMrBoffinasifhehadn'tdoneso。
　　'No，Ishouldhopenot！AppealingtoYOU，wouldberatherarumcourse。AsIwassaying，you'reaneedychapthatIpickupinthestreet。YoucomeandaskmeinthestreettotakeyouforaSecretary，andItakeyou。Verygood。'
　　'Verybad，'murmuredtheSecretary。
　　'Whatdoyousay?'askedMrBoffin，snappingathimagain。
　　Hereturnednoanswer。MrBoffin，aftereyeinghimwithacomicallookofdiscomfitedcuriosity，wasfaintobeginafresh。
　　'ThisRokesmithisaneedyyoungmanthatItakeformySecretaryoutoftheopenstreet。ThisRokesmithgetsacquaintedwithmyaffairs，andgetstoknowthatImeantosettleasumofmoneyonthisyounglady。“Oho！“saysthisRokesmith；'hereMrBoffinclappedafingeragainsthisnose，andtappeditseveraltimeswithasneakingair，asembodyingRokesmithconfidentiallyconfabulatingwithhisownnose；'“Thiswillbeagoodhaul；I'llgoinforthis！“AndsothisRokesmith，greedyandhungering，beginsa-creepingonhishandsandkneestowardsthemoney。Notsobadaspeculationeither:forifthisyoungladyhadhadlessspirit，orhadhadlesssense，throughbeingatallintheromanticline，byGeorgehemighthaveworkeditoutandmadeitpay！Butfortunatelyshewastoomanyforhim，andaprettyfigurehecutsnowheisexposed。Therehestands！'saidMrBoffin，addressingRokesmithhimselfwithridiculousinconsistency。'Lookathim！'
　　'Yourunfortunatesuspicions，MrBoffin——'begantheSecretary。
　　'Preciousunfortunateforyou，Icantellyou，'saidMrBoffin。
　　'——arenottobecombatedbyanyone，andIaddressmyselftonosuchhopelesstask。ButIwillsayaworduponthetruth。'
　　'Yah！Muchyoucareaboutthetruth，'saidMrBoffin，withasnapofhisfingers。
　　'Noddy！Mydearlove！'expostulatedhiswife。
　　'Oldlady，'returnedMrBoffin，'youkeepstill。IsaytothisRokesmithhere，muchhecaresaboutthetruth。Itellhimagain，muchhecaresaboutthetruth。'
　　'Ourconnexionbeingatanend，MrBoffin，'saidtheSecretary，'itcanbeofverylittlemomenttomewhatyousay。'
　　'Oh！Youareknowingenough，'retortedMrBoffin，withaslylook，'tohavefoundoutthatourconnexion'satanend，eh?Butyoucan'tgetbeforehandwithme。Lookatthisinmyhand。Thisisyourpay，onyourdischarge。Youcanonlyfollowsuit。Youcan'tdeprivemeofthelead。Let'shavenopretendingthatyoudischargeyourself。Idischargeyou。'
　　'SothatIgo，'remarkedtheSecretary，wavingthepointasidewithhishand，'itisallonetome。'
　　'Isit?'saidMrBoffin。'Butit'stwotome，letmetellyou。
　　Allowingafellowthat'sfoundout，todischargehimself，isonething；discharginghimforinsolenceandpresumption，andlikewisefordesignsuponhismaster'smoney，isanother。Oneandone'stwo；notone。Oldlady，don'tyoucutin。Youkeepstill。'
　　'Haveyousaidallyouwishtosaytome?'demandedtheSecretary。
　　'Idon'tknowwhetherIhaveornot，'answeredMrBoffin。'Itdepends。'
　　'Perhapsyouwillconsiderwhetherthereareanyotherstrongexpressionsthatyouwouldliketobestowuponme?'
　　'I'llconsiderthat，'saidMrBoffin，obstinately，'atmyconvenience，andnotatyours。Youwantthelastword。Itmaynotbesuitabletoletyouhaveit。'
　　'Noddy！Mydear，dearNoddy！Yousoundsohard！'criedpoorMrsBoffin，nottobequiterepressed。
　　'Oldlady，'saidherhusband，butwithoutharshness，'ifyoucutinwhenrequestednot，I'llgetapillowandcarryyououtoftheroomuponit。Whatdoyouwanttosay，youRokesmith?'
　　'Toyou，MrBoffin，nothing。ButtoMissWilferandtoyourgoodkindwife，aword。'
　　'Outwithitthen，'repliedMrBoffin，'andcutitshort，forwe'vehadenoughofyou。'
　　'Ihaveborne，'saidtheSecretary，inalowvoice，'withmyfalsepositionhere，thatImightnotbeseparatedfromMissWilfer。Tobenearher，hasbeenarecompensetomefromdaytoday，evenfortheundeservedtreatmentIhavehadhere，andforthedegradedaspectinwhichshehasoftenseenme。SinceMissWilferrejectedme，Ihaveneveragainurgedmysuit，tothebestofmybelief，withaspokensyllableoralook。ButIhaveneverchangedinmydevotiontoher，except——ifshewillforgivemysayingso——thatitisdeeperthanitwas，andbetterfounded。'
　　'Now，markthischap'ssayingMissWilfer，whenhemeansL。s。d。！'
　　criedMrBoffin，withacunningwink。'Now，markthischap'smakingMissWilferstandforPounds，Shillings，andPence！'
　　'MyfeelingforMissWilfer，'pursuedtheSecretary，withoutdeigningtonoticehim，'isnotonetobeashamedof。Iavowit。I
　　loveher。LetmegowhereImaywhenIpresentlyleavethishouse，Ishallgointoablanklife，leavingher。'
　　'LeavingL。s。d。behindme，'saidMrBoffin，bywayofcommentary，withanotherwink。
　　'ThatIamincapable，'theSecretarywenton，stillwithoutheedinghim，'ofamercenaryproject，oramercenarythought，inconnexionwithMissWilfer，isnothingmeritoriousinme，becauseanyprizethatIcouldputbeforemyfancywouldsinkintoinsignificancebesideher。Ifthegreatestwealthorthehighestrankwerehers，itwouldonlybeimportantinmysightasremovingherstillfartherfromme，andmakingmemorehopeless，ifthatcouldbe。Say，'
　　remarkedtheSecretary，lookingfullathislatemaster，'saythatwithawordshecouldstripMrBoffinofhisfortuneandtakepossessionofit，shewouldbeofnogreaterworthinmyeyesthansheis。'
　　'Whatdoyouthinkbythistime，oldlady，'askedMrBoffin，turningtohiswifeinabanteringtone，'aboutthisRokesmithhere，andhiscaringforthetruth?Youneedn'tsaywhatyouthink，mydear，becauseIdon'twantyoutocutin，butyoucanthinkitallthesame。Astotakingpossessionofmyproperty，Iwarrantyouhewouldn'tdothathimselfifhecould。'
　　'No，'returnedtheSecretary，withanotherfulllook。
　　'Ha，ha，ha！'laughedMrBoffin。'There'snothinglikeagood'unwhileyouAREaboutit。'
　　'Ihavebeenforamoment，'saidtheSecretary，turningfromhimandfallingintohisformermanner，'divertedfromthelittleIhavetosay。MyinterestinMissWilferbeganwhenIfirstsawher；
　　evenbeganwhenIhadonlyheardofher。Itwas，infact，thecauseofmythrowingmyselfinMrBoffin'sway，andenteringhisservice。MissWilferhasneverknownthisuntilnow。Imentionitnow，onlyasacorroborationthoughIhopeitmaybeneedlessofmybeingfreefromthesordiddesignattributedtome。'
　　'Now，thisisaveryartfuldog，'saidMrBoffin，withadeeplook。
　　'Thisisalonger-headedschemerthanIthoughthim。Seehowpatientlyandmethodicallyhegoestowork。Hegetstoknowaboutmeandmyproperty，andaboutthisyounglady，andhershareinpooryoungJohn'sstory，andheputsthisandthattogether，andhesaystohimself，“I'llgetinwithBoffin，andI'llgetinwiththisyounglady，andI'llwork'embothatthesametime，andI'llbringmypigstomarketsomewhere。”Ihearhimsayit，blessyou！I
　　lookathim，now，andIseehimsayit！'
　　MrBoffinpointedattheculprit，asitwereintheact，andhuggedhimselfinhisgreatpenetration。
　　'Butluckilyhehadn'ttodealwiththepeoplehesupposed，Bella，mydear！'saidMrBoffin。'No！Luckilyhehadtodealwithyou，andwithme，andwithDanielandMissDancer，andwithElwes，andwithVultureHopkins，andwithBlewburyJonesandalltherestofus，onedownt'othercomeon。Andhe'sbeat；that'swhatheis；regularlybeat。Hethoughttosqueezemoneyoutofus，andhehasdoneforhimselfinstead，Bellamydear！'
　　Bellamydearmadenoresponse，gavenosignofacquiescence。
　　Whenshehadfirstcoveredherfaceshehadsunkuponachairwithherhandsrestingonthebackofit，andhadnevermovedsince。Therewasashortsilenceatthispoint，andMrsBoffinsoftlyroseasiftogotoher。But，MrBoffinstoppedherwithagesture，andsheobedientlysatdownagainandstayedwhereshewas。
　　'There'syourpay，MisterRokesmith，'saidtheGoldenDustman，jerkingthefoldedscrapofpaperhehadinhishand，towardshislateSecretary。'Idaresayyoucanstooptopickitup，afterwhatyouhavestoopedtohere。'
　　'Ihavestoopedtonothingbutthis，'Rokesmithansweredashetookitfromtheground；'andthisismine，forIhaveearneditbythehardestofhardlabour。'
　　'You'reaprettyquickpacker，Ihope，'saidMrBoffin；'becausethesooneryouaregone，bagandbaggage，thebetterforallparties。'
　　'Youneedhavenofearofmylingering。'
　　'There'sjustonethingthough，'saidMrBoffin，'thatIshouldliketoaskyoubeforewecometoagoodriddance，ifitwasonlytoshowthisyoungladyhowconceitedyouschemersare，inthinkingthatnobodyfindsouthowyoucontradictyourselves。'
　　'Askmeanythingyouwishtoask，'returnedRokesmith，'butusetheexpeditionthatyourecommend。'
　　'Youpretendtohaveamightyadmirationforthisyounglady?'saidMrBoffin，layinghishandprotectinglyonBella'sheadwithoutlookingdownather。
　　'Idonotpretend。'
　　'Oh！Well。YouHAVEamightyadmirationforthisyounglady——
　　sinceyouaresoparticular?'
　　'Yes。'
　　'Howdoyoureconcilethat，withthisyounglady'sbeingaweak-
　　spirited，improvidentidiot，notknowingwhatwasduetoherself，flinginguphermoneytothechurch-weathercocks，andracingoffatasplittingpacefortheworkhouse?'
　　'Idon'tunderstandyou。'
　　'Don'tyou?Orwon'tyou?Whatelsecouldyouhavemadethisyoungladyouttobe，ifshehadlistenedtosuchaddressesasyours?'
　　'Whatelse，ifIhadbeensohappyastowinheraffectionsandpossessherheart?'
　　'Winheraffections，'retortedMrBoffin，withineffablecontempt，'andpossessherheart！Mewsaysthecat，Quack-quacksaystheduck，Bow-wow-wowsaysthedog！Winheraffectionsandpossessherheart！Mew，Quack-quack，Bow-wow！'
　　JohnRokesmithstaredathiminhisoutburst，asifwithsomefaintideathathehadgonemad。
　　'Whatisduetothisyounglady，'saidMrBoffin，'isMoney，andthisyoungladyrightwellknowsit。'
　　'Youslandertheyounglady。'
　　'YOUslandertheyounglady；youwithyouraffectionsandheartsandtrumpery，'returnedMrBoffin。'It'sofapiecewiththerestofyourbehaviour。Iheardofthesedoingsofyoursonlylastnight，oryoushouldhaveheardof'emfromme，sooner，takeyouroathofit。
　　Iheardof'emfromaladywithasgoodaheadpieceasthebest，andsheknowsthisyounglady，andIknowthisyounglady，andweallthreeknowthatit'sMoneyshemakesastandfor——money，money，money——andthatyouandyouraffectionsandheartsareaLie，sir！'
　　'MrsBoffin，'saidRokesmith，quietlyturningtoher，'foryourdelicateandunvaryingkindnessIthankyouwiththewarmestgratitude。Good-bye！MissWilfer，good-bye！'
　　'Andnow，mydear，'saidMrBoffin，layinghishandonBella'sheadagain，'youmaybegintomakeyourselfquitecomfortable，andIhopeyoufeelthatyou'vebeenrighted。'
　　But，Bellawassofarfromappearingtofeelit，thatsheshrankfromhishandandfromthechair，and，startingupinanincoherentpassionoftears，andstretchingoutherarms，cried，'OMrRokesmith，beforeyougo，ifyoucouldbutmakemepooragain！
　　O！Makemepooragain，Somebody，Ibegandpray，ormyheartwillbreakifthisgoeson！Pa，dear，makemepooragainandtakemehome！Iwasbadenoughthere，butIhavebeensomuchworsehere。Don'tgivememoney，MrBoffin，Iwon'thavemoney。Keepitawayfromme，andonlyletmespeaktogoodlittlePa，andlaymyheaduponhisshoulder，andtellhimallmygriefs。Nobodyelsecanunderstandme，nobodyelsecancomfortme，nobodyelseknowshowunworthyIam，andyetcanlovemelikealittlechild。
　　IambetterwithPathananyone——moreinnocent，moresorry，moreglad！'So，cryingoutinawildwaythatshecouldnotbearthis，BelladroopedherheadonMrsBoffin'sreadybreast。
　　JohnRokesmithfromhisplaceintheroom，andMrBoffinfromhis，lookedonatherinsilenceuntilshewassilentherself。ThenMrBoffinobservedinasoothingandcomfortabletone，'There，mydear，there；youarerightednow，andit'sALLright。Idon'twonder，I'msure，atyourbeingalittleflurriedbyhavingascenewiththisfellow，butit'sallover，mydear，andyou'rerighted，andit's——andit'sALLright！'WhichMrBoffinrepeatedwithahighlysatisfiedairofcompletenessandfinality。
　　'Ihateyou！'criedBella，turningsuddenlyuponhim，withastampofherlittlefoot——'atleast，Ican'thateyou，butIdon'tlikeyou！'
　　'HUL——LO！'exclaimedMrBoffininanamazedunder-tone。
　　'You'reascolding，unjust，abusive，aggravating，badoldcreature！'
　　criedBella。'Iamangrywithmyungratefulselfforcallingyounames；butyouare，youare；youknowyouare！'
　　MrBoffinstaredhere，andstaredthere，asmisdoubtingthathemustbeinsomesortoffit。
　　'Ihaveheardyouwithshame，'saidBella。'Withshameformyself，andwithshameforyou。Yououghttobeabovethebasetale-
　　bearingofatime-servingwoman；butyouareabovenothingnow。'
　　MrBoffin，seemingtobecomeconvincedthatthiswasafit，rolledhiseyesandloosenedhisneckcloth。
　　'WhenIcamehere，Irespectedyouandhonouredyou，andIsoonlovedyou，'criedBella。'AndnowIcan'tbearthesightofyou。Atleast，Idon'tknowthatIoughttogosofarasthat——onlyyou'rea——
　　you'reaMonster！'Havingshotthisboltoutwithagreatexpenditureofforce，Bellahystericallylaughedandcriedtogether。
　　'ThebestwishIcanwishyouis，'saidBella，returningtothecharge，'thatyouhadnotonesinglefarthingintheworld。Ifanytruefriendandwell-wishercouldmakeyouabankrupt，youwouldbeaDuck；butasamanofpropertyyouareaDemon！'
　　Afterdespatchingthissecondboltwithastillgreaterexpenditureofforce，Bellalaughedandcriedstillmore。
　　'MrRokesmith，praystayonemoment。Prayhearonewordfrommebeforeyougo！Iamdeeplysorryforthereproachesyouhaveborneonmyaccount。OutofthedepthsofmyheartIearnestlyandtrulybegyourpardon。'
　　Asshesteppedtowardshim，hemether。Asshegavehimherhand，heputittohislips，andsaid，'Godblessyou！'NolaughingwasmixedwithBella'scryingthen；hertearswerepureandfervent。
　　'ThereisnotanungenerouswordthatIhaveheardaddressedtoyou——heardwithscornandindignation，MrRokesmith——butithaswoundedmefarmorethanyou，forIhavedeservedit，andyouneverhave。MrRokesmith，itistomeyouowethispervertedaccountofwhatpassedbetweenusthatnight。Ipartedwiththesecret，evenwhileIwasangrywithmyselffordoingso。Itwasverybadinme，butindeeditwasnotwicked。Ididitinamomentofconceitandfolly——oneofmymanysuchmoments——oneofmymanysuchhours——years。AsIampunishedforitseverely，trytoforgiveit！'
　　'Idowithallmysoul。'
　　'Thankyou。Othankyou！Don'tpartfrommetillIhavesaidoneotherword，todoyoujustice。Theonlyfaultyoucanbetrulychargedwith，inhavingspokentomeasyoudidthatnight——withhowmuchdelicacyandhowmuchforbearancenoonebutIcanknoworbegratefultoyoufor——is，thatyoulaidyourselfopentobeslightedbyaworldlyshallowgirlwhoseheadwasturned，andwhowasquiteunabletorisetotheworthofwhatyouofferedher。
　　MrRokesmith，thatgirlhasoftenseenherselfinapitifulandpoorlightsince，butneverinsopitifulandpooralightasnow，whenthemeantoneinwhichsheansweredyou——sordidandvaingirlthatshewas——hasbeenechoedinherearsbyMrBoffin。'
　　Hekissedherhandagain。
　　'MrBoffin'sspeechesweredetestabletome，shockingtome，'saidBella，startlingthatgentlemanwithanotherstampofherlittlefoot。
　　'Itisquitetruethattherewasatime，andverylately，whenI
　　deservedtobeso“righted，“MrRokesmith；butIhopethatIshallneverdeserveitagain！'
　　Heoncemoreputherhandtohislips，andthenrelinquishedit，andlefttheroom。Bellawashurryingbacktothechairinwhichshehadhiddenherfacesolong，when，catchingsightofMrsBoffinbytheway，shestoppedather。'Heisgone，'sobbedBellaindignantly，despairingly，infiftywaysatonce，withherarmsroundMrsBoffin'sneck。'Hehasbeenmostshamefullyabused，andmostunjustlyandmostbaselydrivenaway，andIamthecauseofit！'
　　Allthistime，MrBoffinhadbeenrollinghiseyesoverhisloosenedneckerchief，asifhisfitwerestilluponhim。Appearingnowtothinkthathewascomingto，hestaredstraightbeforehimforawhile，tiedhisneckerchiefagain，tookseverallonginspirations，swallowedseveraltimes，andultimatelyexclaimedwithadeepsigh，asifhefelthimselfonthewholebetter:'Well！'
　　Noword，goodorbad，didMrsBoffinsay；butshetenderlytookcareofBella，andglancedatherhusbandasiffororders。MrBoffin，withoutimpartingany，tookhisseatonachairoveragainstthem，andtheresatleaningforward，withafixedcountenance，hislegsapart，ahandoneachknee，andhiselbowssquared，untilBellashoulddryhereyesandraiseherhead，whichinthefulnessoftimeshedid。
　　'Imustgohome，'saidBella，risinghurriedly。'Iamverygratefultoyouforallyouhavedoneforme，butIcan'tstayhere。'
　　'Mydarlinggirl！'remonstratedMrsBoffin。
　　'No，Ican'tstayhere，'saidBella；'Ican'tindeed——Ugh！youviciousoldthing！'ThistoMrBoffin。
　　'Don'tberash，mylove，'urgedMrsBoffin。'Thinkwellofwhatyoudo。'
　　'Yes，youhadbetterthinkwell，'saidMrBoffin。
　　'IshallnevermorethinkwellofYOU，'criedBella，cuttinghimshort，withintensedefianceinherexpressivelittleeyebrows，andchampionshipofthelateSecretaryineverydimple。'No！Neveragain！Yourmoneyhaschangedyoutomarble。Youareahard-
　　heartedMiser。YouareworsethanDancer，worsethanHopkins，worsethanBlackberryJones，worsethananyofthewretches。Andmore！'proceededBella，breakingintotearsagain，'youwerewhollyundeservingoftheGentlemanyouhavelost。'
　　'Why，youdon'tmeantosay，MissBella，'theGoldenDustmanslowlyremonstrated，'thatyousetupRokesmithagainstme?'
　　'Ido！'saidBella。'HeisworthaMillionofyou。'
　　Veryprettyshelooked，thoughveryangry，asshemadeherselfastallasshepossiblycouldwhichwasnotextremelytall，andutterlyrenouncedherpatronwithaloftytossofherrichbrownhead。
　　'Iwouldratherhethoughtwellofme，'saidBella，'thoughhesweptthestreetforbread，thanthatyoudid，thoughyousplashedthemuduponhimfromthewheelsofachariotofpuregold——There！'
　　'WellI'msure！'criedMrBoffin，staring。
　　'Andforalongtimepast，whenyouhavethoughtyousetyourselfabovehim，Ihaveonlyseenyouunderhisfeet，'saidBella——'There！
　　AndthroughoutIsawinhimthemaster，andIsawinyoutheman——There！Andwhenyouusedhimshamefully，Itookhispartandlovedhim——There！Iboastofit！'
　　AfterwhichstrongavowalBellaunderwentreaction，andcriedtoanyextent，withherfaceonthebackofherchair。
　　'Now，lookhere，'saidMrBoffin，assoonashecouldfindanopeningforbreakingthesilenceandstrikingin。'Givemeyourattention，Bella。Iamnotangry。'
　　'IAM！'saidBella。
　　'Isay，'resumedtheGoldenDustman，'Iamnotangry，andImeankindlytoyou，andIwanttooverlookthis。Soyou'llstaywhereyouare，andwe'llagreetosaynomoreaboutit。'
　　'No，Ican'tstayhere，'criedBella，risinghurriedlyagain；'Ican'tthinkofstayinghere。Imustgohomeforgood。'
　　'Now，don'tbesilly，'MrBoffinreasoned。'Don'tdowhatyoucan'tundo；don'tdowhatyou'resuretobesorryfor。'
　　'Ishallneverbesorryforit，'saidBella；'andIshouldalwaysbesorry，andshouldeveryminuteofmylifedespisemyselfifI
　　remainedhereafterwhathashappened。'
　　'Atleast，Bella，'arguedMrBoffin，'lettherebenomistakeaboutit。
　　Lookbeforeyouleap，youknow。Staywhereyouare，andall'swell，andall'sasitwastobe。Goaway，andyoucannevercomeback。'
　　'IknowthatIcannevercomeback，andthat'swhatImean，'saidBella。
　　'Youmustn'texpect，'MrBoffinpursued，'thatI'ma-goingtosettlemoneyonyou，ifyouleaveuslikethis，becauseIamnot。No，Bella！Becareful！Notonebrassfarthing。'
　　'Expect！'saidBella，haughtily。'Doyouthinkthatanypoweronearthcouldmakemetakeit，ifyoudid，sir?'
　　ButtherewasMrsBoffintopartfrom，and，inthefullflushofherdignity，theimpressiblelittlesoulcollapsedagain。Downuponherkneesbeforethatgoodwoman，sherockedherselfuponherbreast，andcried，andsobbed，andfoldedherinherarmswithallhermight。
　　'You'readear，adear，thebestofdears！'criedBella。'You'rethebestofhumancreatures。Icanneverbethankfulenoughtoyou，andIcanneverforgetyou。IfIshouldlivetobeblindanddeafI
　　knowIshallseeandhearyou，inmyfancy，tothelastofmydimolddays！'
　　MrsBoffinweptmostheartily，andembracedherwithallfondness；butsaidnotonesinglewordexceptthatshewasherdeargirl。Shesaidthatoftenenough，tobesure，forshesaiditoverandoveragain；butnotonewordelse。
　　Bellabrokefromheratlength，andwasgoingweepingoutoftheroom，wheninherownlittlequeeraffectionateway，shehalfrelentedtowardsMrBoffin。
　　'Iamveryglad，'sobbedBella，'thatIcalledyounames，sir，becauseyourichlydeservedit。ButIamverysorrythatIcalledyounames，becauseyouusedtobesodifferent。Saygood-bye！'
　　'Good-bye，'saidMrBoffin，shortly。
　　'IfIknewwhichofyourhandswastheleastspoilt，Iwouldaskyoutoletmetouchit，'saidBella，'forthelasttime。ButnotbecauseIrepentofwhatIhavesaidtoyou。ForIdon't。It'strue！'
　　'Trythelefthand，'saidMrBoffin，holdingitoutinastolidmanner；'it'stheleastused。'
　　'Youhavebeenwonderfullygoodandkindtome，'saidBella，'andIkissitforthat。YouhavebeenasbadasbadcouldbetoMrRokesmith，andIthrowitawayforthat。Thankyouformyself，andgood-bye！'
　　'Good-bye，'saidMrBoffinasbefore。
　　Bellacaughthimroundtheneckandkissedhim，andranoutforever。
　　Sheranup-stairs，andsatdownonthefloorinherownroom，andcriedabundantly。Butthedaywasdecliningandshehadnotimetolose。Sheopenedalltheplaceswhereshekeptherdresses；
　　selectedonlythoseshehadbroughtwithher，leavingalltherest；
　　andmadeagreatmisshapenbundleofthem，tobesentforafterwards。
　　'Iwon'ttakeoneoftheothers，'saidBella，tyingtheknotsofthebundleverytight，intheseverityofherresolution。'I'llleaveallthepresentsbehind，andbeginagainentirelyonmyownaccount。'
　　Thattheresolutionmightbethoroughlycarriedintopractice，sheevenchangedthedressshewore，forthatinwhichshehadcometothegrandmansion。Eventhebonnetsheputon，wasthebonnetthathadmountedintotheBoffinchariotatHolloway。
　　'Now，Iamcomplete，'saidBella。'It'salittletrying，butIhavesteepedmyeyesincoldwater，andIwon'tcryanymore。Youhavebeenapleasantroomtome，dearroom。Adieu！Weshallneverseeeachotheragain。'
　　Withapartingkissofherfingerstoit，shesoftlyclosedthedoorandwentwithalightfootdownthegreatstaircase，pausingandlisteningasshewent，thatshemightmeetnoneofthehousehold。
　　Noonechancedtobeabout，andshegotdowntothehallinquiet。
　　ThedoorofthelateSecretary'sroomstoodopen。Shepeepedinasshepassed，anddivinedfromtheemptinessofhistable，andthegeneralappearanceofthings，thathewasalreadygone。Softlyopeningthegreathalldoor，andsoftlyclosingituponherself，sheturnedandkisseditontheoutside——insensibleoldcombinationofwoodandironthatitwas！——beforesheranawayfromthehouseataswiftpace。
　　'Thatwaswelldone！'pantedBella，slackeninginthenextstreet，andsubsidingintoawalk。'IfIhadleftmyselfanybreathtocrywith，Ishouldhavecriedagain。NowpoordeardarlinglittlePa，youaregoingtoseeyourlovelywomanunexpectedly。'
　　Chapter16
　　THEFEASTOFTHETHREEHOBGOBLINS
　　TheCitylookedunpromisingenough，asBellamadeherwayalongitsgrittystreets。Mostofitsmoney-millswereslackeningsail，orhadleftoffgrindingfortheday。Themaster-millershadalreadydeparted，andthejourneymenweredeparting。Therewasajadedaspectonthebusinesslanesandcourts，andtheverypavementshadawearyappearance，confusedbythetreadofamillionoffeet。Theremustbehoursofnighttotemperdowntheday'sdistractionofsofeverishaplace。Asyettheworryofthenewly-stoppedwhirlingandgrindingonthepartofthemoney-
　　millsseemedtolingerintheair，andthequietwasmoreliketheprostrationofaspentgiantthanthereposeofonewhowasrenewinghisstrength。
　　IfBellathought，assheglancedatthemightyBank，howagreeableitwouldbetohaveanhour'sgardeningthere，withabrightcoppershovel，amongthemoney，stillshewasnotinanavariciousvein。
　　Muchimprovedinthatrespect，andwithcertainhalf-formedimageswhichhadlittlegoldintheircomposition，dancingbeforeherbrighteyes，shearrivedinthedrug-flavouredregionofMincingLane，withthesensationofhavingjustopenedadrawerinachemist'sshop。
　　Thecounting-houseofChicksey，Veneering，andStobbleswaspointedoutbyanelderlyfemaleaccustomedtothecareofoffices，whodroppeduponBellaoutofapublic-house，wipinghermouth，andaccountedforitshumidityonnaturalprincipleswellknowntothephysicalsciences，byexplainingthatshehadlookedinatthedoortoseewhato'clockitwas。Thecounting-housewasawall-
　　eyedgroundfloorbyadarkgateway，andBellawasconsidering，assheapproachedit，couldtherebeanyprecedentintheCityforhergoinginandaskingforR。Wilfer，whenwhomshouldshesee，sittingatoneofthewindowswiththeplate-glasssashraised，butR。Wilferhimself，preparingtotakeaslightrefection。
　　Onapproachingnearer，Belladiscernedthattherefectionhadtheappearanceofasmallcottage-loafandapennyworthofmilk。
　　Simultaneouslywiththisdiscoveryonherpart，herfatherdiscoveredher，andinvokedtheechoesofMincingLanetoexclaim'Mygraciousme！'
　　Hethencamecherubicallyflyingoutwithoutahat，andembracedher，andhandedherin。'Forit'safterhoursandIamallalone，mydear，'heexplained，'andamhaving——asIsometimesdowhentheyareallgone——aquiettea。'
　　Lookingroundtheoffice，asifherfatherwereacaptiveandthishiscell，Bellahuggedhimandchokedhimtoherheart'scontent。
　　'Ineverwassosurprised，mydear！'saidherfather。'Icouldn'tbelievemyeyes。Uponmylife，Ithoughttheyhadtakentolying！
　　TheideaofyourcomingdowntheLaneyourself！Whydidn'tyousendthefootmandowntheLane，mydear?'
　　'Ihavebroughtnofootmanwithme，Pa。'
　　'Ohindeed！Butyouhavebroughttheelegantturn-out，mylove?'
　　'No，Pa。'
　　'Younevercanhavewalked，mydear?'
　　'Yes，Ihave，Pa。'
　　Helookedsoverymuchastonished，thatBellacouldnotmakeuphermindtobreakittohimjustyet。
　　'Theconsequenceis，Pa，thatyourlovelywomanfeelsalittlefaint，andwouldverymuchliketoshareyourtea。'
　　Thecottageloafandthepennyworthofmilkhadbeensetforthonasheetofpaperonthewindow-seat。Thecherubicpocket-knife，withthefirstbitoftheloafstillonitspoint，laybesidethemwhereithadbeenhastilythrowndown。Bellatookthebitoff，andputitinhermouth。'Mydearchild，'saidherfather，'theideaofyourpartakingofsuchlowlyfare！Butatleastyoumusthaveyourownloafandyourownpenn'orth。Onemoment，mydear。TheDairyisjustoverthewayandroundthecorner。'
　　RegardlessofBella'sdissuasionsheranout，andquicklyreturnedwiththenewsupply。'Mydearchild，'hesaid，ashespreaditonanotherpieceofpaperbeforeher，'theideaofasplendid——！'andthenlookedatherfigure，andstoppedshort。
　　'What'sthematter，Pa?'
　　'——ofasplendidfemale，'heresumedmoreslowly，'puttingupwithsuchaccommodationasthepresent！——Isthatanewdressyouhaveon，mydear?'
　　'No，Pa，anoldone。Don'tyourememberit?'
　　'Why，ITHOUGHTIrememberedit，mydear！'
　　'Youshould，foryouboughtit，Pa。'
　　'Yes，ITHOUGHTIboughtitmydear！'saidthecherub，givinghimselfalittleshake，asiftorousehisfaculties。
　　'Andhaveyougrownsoficklethatyoudon'tlikeyourowntaste，Padear?'
　　'Well，mylove，'hereturned，swallowingabitofthecottageloafwithconsiderableeffort，foritseemedtostickbytheway:'Ishouldhavethoughtitwashardlysufficientlysplendidforexistingcircumstances。'
　　'Andso，Pa，'saidBella，movingcoaxinglytohissideinsteadofremainingopposite，'yousometimeshaveaquietteahereallalone?