“When I came here, I respected you and honoured you, and I soon loved you,” cried Bella. “And now I can’t bear the sight of you. At least, I don’t know that I ought to go so far as that⁠—only you’re a⁠—you’re a monster!” Having shot this bolt out with a great expenditure of force, Bella hysterically laughed and cried together.

“The best wish I can wish you is,” said Bella, returning to the charge, “that you had not one single farthing in the world. If any true friend and well-wisher could make you a bankrupt, you would be a duck; but as a man of property you are a demon!”

After despatching this second bolt with a still greater expenditure of force, Bella laughed and cried still more.

“ Mr. Rokesmith, pray stay one moment. Pray hear one word from me before you go! I am deeply sorry for the reproaches you have borne on my account. Out of the depths of my heart I earnestly and truly beg your pardon.”