(“There!” was Miss Bella’s mental exclamation. “What did I say to them at home? Everybody noticed that ridiculous mourning.”)

“When I first saw you in your black dress, I was at a loss to account for that distinction between yourself and your family. I hope it was not impertinent to speculate upon it?”

“I hope not, I am sure,” said Miss Bella, haughtily. “But you ought to know best how you speculated upon it.”

Mr. Rokesmith inclined his head in a deprecatory manner, and went on.