? ? ? ? Here she ceased; and snapping her reticule again, and shutting her mouth, looked as if she might be broken, but could never be bent.
? ? ? ? 'You have heard Miss Murdstone,' said Mr. Spenlow, turning to me. 'I beg to ask, Mr. Copperfield, if you have anything to say in reply?'
? ? ? ? The picture I had before me, of the beautiful little treasure of my heart, sobbing and crying all night - of her being alone, frightened, and wretched, then - of her having so piteously begged and prayed that stony-hearted woman to forgive her - of her having vainly offered her those kisses, work-boxes, and trinkets - of her being in such grievous distress, and all for me - very much impaired the little dignity I had been able to muster. I am afraid I was in a tremulous state for a minute or so, though I did my best to disguise it.
? ? ? ? 'There is nothing I can say, sir,' I returned, 'except that all the blame is mine. Dora -'
? ? ? ? 'Miss Spenlow, if you please,' said her father, majestically.
? ? ? ? '- was induced and persuaded by me,' I went on, swallowing that colder designation, 'to consent to this concealment, and I bitterly regret it.
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