Dear, tender little Dora, so unconscious of this dragon’s eye!

“Still,” resumed Miss Murdstone, “I found no proof until last night. It appeared to me that Miss Spenlow received too many letters from her friend Miss Mills; but Miss Mills being her friend with her father’s full concurrence,” another telling blow at Mr. Spenlow, “it was not for me to interfere. If I may not be permitted to allude to the natural depravity of the human heart, at least I may⁠—I must⁠—be permitted, so far to refer to misplaced confidence.”

Mr. Spenlow apologetically murmured his assent.