“Yes,” said Bella, nodding thoughtfully; “I understand. That seems wise, and considerate.”

“You may not have noticed, Miss Wilfer, that she has the same kind of interest in you, that you have in her. Just as you are attracted by her beaut⁠—by her appearance and manner, she is attracted by yours.”

“I certainly have not noticed it,” returned Bella, again italicizing with the dimple, “and I should have given her credit for⁠—”

The Secretary with a smile held up his hand, so plainly interposing “not for better taste,” that Bella’s colour deepened over the little piece of coquetry she was checked in.