nds than Mr and Mrs Boffin.'

'Impossible!' said the gratified cherub. 'Really I begin to think things
are very well as they are. If Mr John Harmon had lived--'

'He is better dead,' said the Secretary.

'No, I won't go so far as to say that,' urged the cherub, a little
remonstrant against the very decisive and unpitying tone; 'but he
mightn't have suited Bella, or Bella mightn't have suited him, or fifty
things, whereas now I hope she can choose for herself.'

'Has she--as you place the confidence in me of speaking on the subject,
you will excuse my asking--has she--perhaps--chosen?' faltered the
Secretary.

'Oh dear no!' returned R. W.

'Young ladies sometimes,' Rokesmith hinted, 'choose without mentioning
their choice to their fathers.'

'Not in this case, Mr Rokesmith. Between my daughter Bella and me there
is a regular league and covenant of confidence. It was ratified only the
other day. The ratification dates from--these,' said the cherub,
giving a little pull at the lappels of his coat and the pockets of his
trousers. 'Oh no, she has not chosen. To be sure, young George Sampson,
in the days when Mr John Harmon--'

'Who I wish had never been born!' said the Secretary, with a gloomy
brow.

R. W. looked at him with surprise, as thinking he had contracted an
unaccountable spite against the poor deceased, and continued: 'In the
days when Mr John Harmon was being sought out, young George Sampson
certainly was hovering about Bella, and Bella let him hover. But it
never was seriously thought of, and it's still less than ever to be
thought of now. For Bella is ambitious, Mr Rokesmith, and I think I may
predict will marry fortune. This time, you see, she will have the person
and the property before her together, and will be able to make her
choice with her eyes open. This is my road. I am very sorry to part
company so soon. Good morning, sir!'

The Secretary pursued his way, not very much elevated in spirits by this
conversation, and, arriving at the Boffin mansion, found Betty Higden
waiting for him.

'I should thank you kindly, sir,' said Betty, 'if I might make so bold
as have a word or two wi' you.'

She should have as many words as she liked, he told her; and took her
into his room, and made her sit down.

''Tis concerning Sloppy, sir,' said Betty. 'And that's how I come here
by myself. Not wishing him to know what I'm a-going to say to you, I got
the start of him early and walked up.'

'You have w