“I would rather not be asked,” said Bella, haughtily looking down.

“I would rather not ask, but the question is imposed upon me. Kindly explain; or if not kindly, justly.”

“Oh, sir!” said Bella, raising her eyes to his, after a little struggle to forbear, “is it generous and honourable to use the power here which your favour with Mr. and Mrs. Boffin and your ability in your place give you, against me?”

“Against you?”

“Is it generous and honourable to form a plan for gradually bringing their influence to bear upon a suit which I have shown you that I do not like, and which I tell you that I utterly reject?”