“By all means,” said the Secretary.

“I suppose,” faltered Bella, “that we are both commissioned, or we shouldn’t both be here?”

“I suppose so,” was the Secretary’s answer.

“When I proposed to come with Mr. and Mrs. Milvey,” said Bella, “ Mrs. Boffin urged me to do so, in order that I might give her my small report⁠—it’s not worth anything, Mr. Rokesmith, except for it’s being a woman’s⁠—which indeed with you may be a fresh reason for it’s being worth nothing⁠—of Lizzie Hexam.”