She was too quick in this petulant sally against “Pa’s lodger”; and she felt that she had been so when she met his quiet look.

“They don’t send many⁠—what was your expression?⁠—words of remembrance to me ,” said Bella, making haste to take refuge in ill-usage.

“They frequently ask me about you, and I give them such slight intelligence as I can.”

“I hope it’s truly given,” exclaimed Bella.

“I hope you cannot doubt it, for it would be very much against you, if you could.”

“No, I do not doubt it. I deserve the reproach, which is very just indeed. I beg your pardon, Mr. Rokesmith.”