"It was news I was interested in hearing--and I am deeply indebted to Mr.Bruff for telling me of it." "Yes ?" I said, in a tone of gentle interest.
Her fingers went back to the frilling, and she turned her head sullenly away from me.

I had been met in this manner, in the course of plying the good work, hundreds of times.

She merely stimulated me to try again.
In my dauntless zeal for her welfare, I ran the great risk, and openly alluded to her marriage engagement.
"News you were interested in hearing ?" I repeated.

"I suppose, my dear Rachel, that must be news of Mr.Godfrey Ablewhite ?" She started up in the bed, and turned deadly pale.

It was evidently on the tip of her tongue to retort on me with the unbridled insolence of former times.