“I think, sir,” said Lightwood, “you can scarcely deny that when I came to your house on the occasion to which you have referred, you avoided me of a set purpose.”

“ Mr. Lightwood, I assure you I have no disposition to deny it, or intention to deny it. I should have continued to avoid you, in pursuance of the same set purpose, for a short time longer, if we had not met now. I am going straight home, and shall remain at home tomorrow until noon. Hereafter, I hope we may be better acquainted. Good day.”

Lightwood stood irresolute, but Bella’s husband passed him in the steadiest manner, with Bella on his arm; and they went home without encountering any further remonstrance or molestation from anyone.

When they had dined and were alone, John Rokesmith said to his wife, who had preserved her cheerfulness: “And you don’t ask me, my dear, why I bore that name?”