“You know how I am situated here, sir, and you know how I am situated at home. I must speak to you for myself, since there is no one about me whom I could ask to do so. It is not generous in you, it is not honourable in you, to conduct yourself towards me as you do.”

“Is it ungenerous or dishonourable to be devoted to you; fascinated by you?”

“Preposterous!” said Bella.

The late John Harmon might have thought it rather a contemptuous and lofty word of repudiation.

“I now feel obliged to go on,” pursued the Secretary, “though it were only in self-explanation and self-defence. I hope, Miss Wilfer, that it is not unpardonable⁠—even in me⁠—to make an honest declaration of an honest devotion to you.”

“An honest declaration!” repeated Bella, with emphasis.

“Is it otherwise?”