. How in the right, and how suspected of being
in the wrong, she could not divine. Some vague idea that he had never
really assumed the name of Handford, and that there was a remarkable
likeness between him and that mysterious person, was her nearest
approach to any definite explanation. But John was triumphant; that much
was made apparent; and she could wait for the rest.

When John came home to dinner next day, he said, sitting down on the
sofa by Bella and baby-Bella: 'My dear, I have a piece of news to tell
you. I have left the China House.'

As he seemed to like having left it, Bella took it for granted that
there was no misfortune in the case.

'In a word, my love,' said John, 'the China House is broken up and
abolished. There is no such thing any more.'

'Then, are you already in another House, John?'

'Yes, my darling. I am in another way of business. And I am rather
better off.'

The inexhaustible baby was instantly made to congratulate him, and
to say, with appropriate action on the part of a very limp arm and a
speckled fist: 'Three cheers, ladies and gemplemorums. Hoo--ray!'

'I am afraid, my life,' said John, 'that you have become very much
attached to this cottage?'

'Afraid I have, John? Of course I have.'

'The reason why I said afraid,' returned John, 'is, because we must
move.'

'O John!'

'Yes, my dear, we must move. We must have our head-quarters in London
now. In short, there's a dwelling-house rent-free, attached to my new
position, and we must occupy it.'

'That's a gain, John.'

'Yes, my dear, it is undoubtedly a gain.'

He gave her a very blithe look, and a very sly look. Which occasioned
the inexhaustible baby to square at him with the speckled fists, and
demand in a threatening manner what he meant?

'My love, you said it was a gain, and I said it was a gain. A very
innocent remark, surely.'

'I won't,' said the inexhaustible baby,
'--allow--you--to--make--game--of--my--venerable--Ma.' At each division
administering a soft facer with one of the speckled fists.

John having stooped down to receive these punishing visitations, Bella
asked him, would it be necessary to move soon? Why yes, indeed (said
John), he did propose that they should move very soon. Taking the
furniture with them, of course? (said Bella). Why, no (said John), the
fact was, that the house was--in a sort of a kind of a way--furnished
already.

The inexhaustible baby, hearing this, resumed the offensiv