Lizzie took the pretty little hand that was held out in as pretty a little frankness.

“Now, dear,” said Bella, drawing her chair a little nearer, and taking Lizzie’s arm as if they were going out for a walk, “I am commissioned with something to say, and I dare say I shall say it wrong, but I won’t if I can help it. It is in reference to your letter to Mr. and Mrs. Boffin, and this is what it is. Let me see. Oh yes! This is what it is.”