“Ay?” cried Mrs. Lammle. “Am I already corroborated, Bella?”

“Never mind, Sophronia, we will not speak of it any more. Don’t ask me about it.”

This plainly meaning do ask me about it, Mrs. Lammle did as she was requested.

“Tell me, Bella. Come, my dear. What provoking burr has been inconveniently attracted to the charming skirts, and with difficulty shaken off?”

“Provoking indeed,” said Bella, “and no burr to boast of! But don’t ask me.”

“Shall I guess?”

“You would never guess. What would you say to our Secretary?”