“What do you mean?” blustered Mr. Boffin.

“I mean that it has become no novelty to me to hear from your lips what I would rather not hear.”

“Oh! Perhaps we shall change that,” said Mr. Boffin with a threatening roll of his head.

“I hope so,” returned the Secretary. He was quiet and respectful; but stood, as Bella thought (and was glad to think), on his manhood too.

“Now, sir,” said Mr. Boffin, “look at this young lady on my arm.”