“Then you ought to have said it, sir,” returned Bella, giving him two pulls and one kiss, “for you must have thought and meant it. You saw that good fortune was turning my stupid head and hardening my silly heart⁠—was making me grasping, calculating, insolent, insufferable⁠—and you took the pains to be the dearest and kindest fingerpost that ever was set up anywhere, pointing out the road that I was taking and the end it led to. Confess instantly!”

“John,” said Mr. Boffin, one broad piece of sunshine from head to foot, “I wish you’d help me out of this.”

“You can’t be heard by counsel, sir,” returned Bella. “You must speak for yourself. Confess instantly!”