“At least, sir,” retorted Bella, with her old indignation rising, “you know the history of my being here at all. I have heard Mr. Boffin say that you are master of every line and word of that will, as you are master of all his affairs. And was it not enough that I should have been willed away, like a horse, or a dog, or a bird; but must you too begin to dispose of me in your mind, and speculate in me, as soon as I had ceased to be the talk and the laugh of the town? Am I forever to be made the property of strangers?”

“Believe me,” returned the Secretary, “you are wonderfully mistaken.”

“I should be glad to know it,” answered Bella.