“That is to say,” she explained, “they have told me they mean to portion me as their adopted child, if you mean that. But don’t mention it.”

“Mention it!” replied Mrs. Lammle, as if she were full of awakened feeling at the suggestion of such an impossibility. “Men‑tion it!”

“I don’t mind telling you, Mrs. Lammle⁠—” Bella began again.

“My love, say Sophronia, or I must not say Bella.”

With a little short, petulant “Oh!” Bella complied. “Oh!⁠—Sophronia then⁠—I don’t mind telling you, Sophronia, that I am convinced I have no heart, as people call it; and that I think that sort of thing is nonsense.”

“Brave girl!” murmured Mrs. Lammle.