Rather startled, Bella made and clasped a girdle of her arms round Lizzie’s waist, and then asked quietly, in a soft voice, as they both looked at the fire:
“Kill him! Is this man so jealous, then?”
“Of a gentleman,” said Lizzie. “—I hardly know how to tell you—of a gentleman far above me and my way of life, who broke father’s death to me, and has shown an interest in me since.”
“Does he love you?”
Lizzie shook her head.
“Does he admire you?”
Lizzie ceased to shake her head, and pressed her hand upon her living girdle.
“Is it through his influence that you came here?”
“O no! And of all the world I wouldn’t have him know that I am here, or get the least clue where to find me.”
“Lizzie, dear! Why?” asked Bella, in amazement at this burst. But then quickly added, reading Lizzie’s face: “No. Don’t say why. That was