dying in a workhouse next.'

'As the persons you have cited,' quietly remarked the Secretary,
'thought they would, if I remember, sir.'

'And very creditable in 'em too,' said Mr Boffin. 'Very independent in
'em! But never mind them just now. Have you given notice to quit your
lodgings?'

'Under your direction, I have, sir.'

'Then I tell you what,' said Mr Boffin; 'pay the quarter's rent--pay the
quarter's rent, it'll be the cheapest thing in the end--and come here at
once, so that you may be always on the spot, day and night, and keep the
expenses down. You'll charge the quarter's rent to me, and we must try
and save it somewhere. You've got some lovely furniture; haven't you?'

'The furniture in my rooms is my own.'

'Then we shan't have to buy any for you. In case you was to think it,'
said Mr Boffin, with a look of peculiar shrewdness, 'so honourably
independent in you as to make it a relief to your mind, to make that
furniture over to me in the light of a set-off against the quarter's
rent, why ease your mind, ease your mind. I don't ask it, but I won't
stand in your way if you should consider it due to yourself. As to your
room, choose any empty room at the top of the house.'

'Any empty room will do for me,' said the Secretary.

'You can take your pick,' said Mr Boffin, 'and it'll be as good as eight
or ten shillings a week added to your income. I won't deduct for it; I
look to you to make it up handsomely by keeping the expenses down. Now,
if you'll show a light, I'll come to your office-room and dispose of a
letter or two.'

On that clear, generous face of Mrs Boffin's, Bella had seen such traces
of a pang at the heart while this dialogue was being held, that she
had not the courage to turn her eyes to it when they were left alone.
Feigning to be intent on her embroidery, she sat plying her needle until
her busy hand was stopped by Mrs Boffin's hand being lightly laid upon
it. Yielding to the touch, she felt her hand carried to the good soul's
lips, and felt a tear fall on it.

'Oh, my loved husband!' said Mrs Boffin. 'This is hard to see and hear.
But my dear Bella, believe me that in spite of all the change in him, he
is the best of men.'

He came back, at the moment when Bella had taken the hand comfortingly
between her own.

'Eh?' said he, mistrustfully looking in at the door. 'What's she telling
you?'

'She is only praising you, sir,' said Bella.

'Praising me? You are sure? Not blaming