chance between Yes and No, if you would let him, my dear?”
“Not that I know of, Pa.”
“There can’t be somebody who won’t take his chance when you want him to?” said the cherub, as a last resource.
“Why, of course not, Pa,” said Bella, giving him another shake or two.
“No, of course not,” he assented. “Bella, my dear, I am afraid I must either have no sleep tonight, or I must press for number four.”
“Oh, Pa, there is no good in number four! I am so sorry for it, I am so unwilling to believe it, I have tried so earnestly not to see it, that it is very hard to tell, even to you. But Mr. Boffin is being spoilt by prosperity, and is changing every day.”