“And a good one, I hope,” he answered, looking steadily at her.

“Sometimes I have fancied, sir,” said Bella, turning away her eyes, “that your great regard for Mrs. Boffin is a very powerful motive with you.”

“You are right again; it is. I would do anything for her, bear anything for her. There are no words to express how I esteem that good, good woman.”

“As I do too! May I ask you one thing more, Mr. Rokesmith?”

“Anything more.”

“Of course you see that she really suffers, when Mr. Boffin shows how he is changing?”

“I see it, every day, as you see it, and am grieved to give her pain.”