“ Mr. Boffin,” said the Secretary, “directed me to come for the same purpose.”

As they spoke they were leaving the little street and emerging on the wooded landscape by the river.

“You think well of her, Mr. Rokesmith?” pursued Bella, conscious of making all the advances.

“I think highly of her.”

“I am so glad of that! Something quite refined in her beauty, is there not?”

“Her appearance is very striking.”