“I should beg you not to do so, but that it shows you to such admirable advantage,” he replied with earnestness. “Forgive me; I could not help saying that. To return to what I have digressed from, let me add that perhaps they think I report them to you, deliver little messages, and the like. But I forbear to trouble you, as you never ask me.”

“I am going, sir,” said Bella, looking at him as if he had reproved her, “to see them tomorrow.”

“Is that,” he asked, hesitating, “said to me, or to them?”

“To which you please.”

“To both? Shall I make it a message?”

“You can if you like, Mr. Rokesmith. Message or no message, I am going to see them tomorrow.”

“Then I will tell them so.”