Bella felt that Mrs. Boffin was not comfortable, and that the eyes of that good creature sought to discover from her face what attention she had given to this discourse, and what impression it had made upon her. For which reason Bella’s eyes drooped more engrossedly over her book, and she turned the page with an air of profound absorption in it.

“Noddy,” said Mrs. Boffin, after thoughtfully pausing in her work.

“My dear,” returned the Golden Dustman, stopping short in his trot.

“Excuse my putting it to you, Noddy, but now really! Haven’t you been a little strict with Mr. Rokesmith tonight? Haven’t you been a little⁠—just a little little⁠—not quite like your old self?”