Again the Secretary bowed. His manner was uneasy and astonished, and showed a sense of humiliation.

“I’ll have a bell,” said Mr. Boffin, “hung from this room to yours, and when I want you, I’ll touch it. I don’t call to mind that I have anything more to say at the present moment.”

The Secretary rose, gathered up his papers, and withdrew. Bella’s eyes followed him to the door, lighted on Mr. Boffin complacently thrown back in his easy chair, and drooped over her book.

“I have let that chap, that young man of mine,” said Mr. Boffin, taking a trot up and down the room, “get above his work. It won’t do. I must have him down a peg. A man of property owes a duty to other men of property, and must look sharp after his inferiors.”