Assenting with a movement of his head, though not at all looking as if it did, the Secretary replied:

“I have very strong reasons, Miss Wilfer, for bearing with the drawbacks of my position in the house we both inhabit. Believe that they are not all mercenary, although I have, through a series of strange fatalities, faded out of my place in life. If what you see with such a gracious and good sympathy is calculated to rouse my pride, there are other considerations (and those you do not see) urging me to quiet endurance. The latter are by far the stronger.”

“I think I have noticed, Mr. Rokesmith,” said Bella, looking at him with curiosity, as not quite making him out, “that you repress yourself, and force yourself, to act a passive part.”

“You are right. I repress myself and force myself to act a part. It is not in tameness of spirit that I submit. I have a settled purpose.”

“And a good one, I hope,” said Bella.