“No, Pa, it’s not enough,” rejoined Bella, giving him another shake or two. “Haven’t I told you what a mercenary little wretch I am? It only becomes enough when he has no money, and no clients, and no expectations, and no anything but debts.”

“Hah!” said the cherub, a little depressed. “Number three, my dear?”

“Number three, Pa, is a better thing. A generous thing, a noble thing, a delightful thing. Mrs. Boffin has herself told me, as a secret, with her own kind lips⁠—and truer lips never opened or closed in this life, I am sure⁠—that they wish to see me well married; and that when I marry with their consent they will portion me most handsomely.” Here the grateful girl burst out crying very heartily.