“There is a shade of sadness upon her that is quite touching. At least I⁠—I am not setting up my own poor opinion, you know, Mr. Rokesmith,” said Bella, excusing and explaining herself in a pretty shy way; “I am consulting you.”

“I noticed that sadness. I hope it may not,” said the Secretary in a lower voice, “be the result of the false accusation which has been retracted.”

When they had passed on a little further without speaking, Bella, after stealing a glance or two at the Secretary, suddenly said:

“Oh, Mr. Rokesmith, don’t be hard with me, don’t be stern with me; be magnanimous! I want to talk with you on equal terms.”