With those words she stalked out. In a few moments she stalked in again, proclaiming in her heraldic manner, “ Mr. Rokesmith is the bearer of a packet for Miss Bella Wilfer.”

Mr. Rokesmith followed close upon his name, and of course saw what was amiss. But he discreetly affected to see nothing, and addressed Miss Bella.

“ Mr. Boffin intended to have placed this in the carriage for you this morning. He wished you to have it, as a little keepsake he had prepared⁠—it is only a purse, Miss Wilfer⁠—but as he was disappointed in his fancy, I volunteered to come after you with it.”

Bella took it in her hand, and thanked him.