“That’s right!” said Mr. Boffin. “Come! That’s sensible. And don’t be thankful to us (for we never thought of it), but to Mr. Rokesmith.”

The letter was written, and read to her, and given to her.

“Now, how do you feel?” said Mr. Boffin. “Do you like it?”

“The letter, sir?” said Betty. “Ay, it’s a beautiful letter!”

“No, no, no; not the letter,” said Mr. Boffin; “the idea. Are you sure you’re strong enough to carry out the idea?”

“I shall be stronger, and keep the deadness off better, this way, than any way left open to me, sir.”