Sidney,
gazing darkly at the girl, saw her look towards him, and she smiled.
The strange effect of that smile upon her features! It gave
gentleness to the mouth, and, by making more manifest the
intelligent light of her eyes, emphasised the singular pathos
inseparable from their regard. It was a smile to which a man would
concede anything, which would vanquish every prepossession, which
would inspire pity and tenderness and devotion in the heart of
sternest resentment.
Sidney knew its power only too well; he averted his face. Then Clara
rose again and said:
'I shall just walk round and tell Mrs. Tubbs. It isn't late, and
she'd like to know as soon as possible.'
'Oh, surely it'll do in the mornin'!' exclaimed Mrs. Hewett, who had
followed the conversation in silent anxiety.
Clara paid no attention, but at once put on her hat again. Then she
said, 'I won't be long, father,' and moved towards the door.
Hewett did not look round.
'Will you let me walk part of the way with you?' Sidney asked
abruptly.
'Certainly, if you like.'
He bade the two who remained' Good-night,' and followed Clara
downstairs.
CHAPTER IV
CLARA AND JANE
Rain no longer fell, but the gusty and bitter wind still swept about
the black streets.
Pages:
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77