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effect. I have therefore forborne to mention them to Miss
Spenlow’s father’; looking severely at him- ‘knowing how
little disposition there usually is in such cases, to acknowl-
edge the conscientious discharge of duty.’
Mr. Spenlow seemed quite cowed by the gentlemanly
sternness of Miss Murdstone’s manner, and deprecated her
severity with a conciliatory little wave of his hand.
‘On my return to Norwood, after the period of absence
occasioned by my brother’s marriage,’ pursued Miss Murd-
stone in a disdainful voice, ‘and on the return of Miss
Spenlow from her visit to her friend Miss Mills, I imagined
that the manner of Miss Spenlow gave me greater occasion
for suspicion than before. Therefore I watched Miss Spen-
low closely.’
Dear, tender little Dora, so unconscious of this Dragon’s
eye!
‘Still,’ resumed Miss Murdstone, ‘I found no proof until
last night. It appeared to me that Miss Spenlow received too
many letters from her friend Miss Mills; but Miss Mills be-
ing her friend with her father’s full concurrence,’ another
telling blow at Mr. Spenlow, ‘it was not for me to interfere.
If I may not be permitted to allude to the natural depravity
of the human heart, at least I may - I must - be permitted, so
far to refer to misplaced confidence.’
Mr. Spenlow apologetically murmured his assent.
‘Last evening after tea,’ pursued Miss Murdstone, ‘I ob-
served the little dog starting, rolling, and growling about
the drawing-room, worrying something. I said to Miss
Spenlow, ‘Dora, what is that the dog has in his mouth? It’s

1 David Copperfield