“I must request, sir,” said Bella, taking refuge in a touch of timely resentment, “that I may not be questioned. You must excuse me if I decline to be cross-examined.”

“Oh, Miss Wilfer, this is hardly charitable. I ask you nothing but what your own emphasis suggests. However, I waive even that question. But what I have declared, I take my stand by. I cannot recall the avowal of my earnest and deep attachment to you, and I do not recall it.”

“I reject it, sir,” said Bella.

“I should be blind and deaf if I were not prepared for the reply. Forgive my offence, for it carries its punishment with it.”

“What punishment?” asked Bella.

“Is my present endurance none? But excuse me; I did not mean to cross-examine you again.”