“Yes, Pa. I think we had better not enter into particulars at home. I think it will be quite enough to say that I had a difference with Mr. Boffin, and have left for good.”

“John Rokesmith being acquainted with your Ma, my love,” said her father, after some slight hesitation, “I need have no delicacy in hinting before him that you may perhaps find your Ma a little wearing.”

“A little, patient Pa?” said Bella with a tuneful laugh: the tune fuller for being so loving in its tone.

“Well! We’ll say, strictly in confidence among ourselves, wearing; we won’t qualify it,” the cherub stoutly admitted. “And your sister’s temper is wearing.”

“I don’t mind, Pa.”