The same influence was affecting
his whole life. To Jane he owed the gradual transition from
tumultuous politics and social bitterness to the mood which could
find pleasure as of old in nature and art. This was his truer self,
emancipated from the distorting effect of the evil amid which he
perforce lived. He was recovering somewhat of his spontaneous
boyhood; at the same time, reaching after a new ideal of existence
which only ripened manhood could appreciate.
Snowdon returned at eleven; it alarmed Sidney to find how late he
had allowed himself to remain, and he began shaping apologies. But
the old man had nothing but the familiar smile and friendly words.
'Haven't you given Mr. Kirkwood any supper?' he asked of Jane,
looking at the table.
'I really forgot all about it, grandfather,' was the laughing reply.
Then Snowdon laughed, and Sidney joined in the merriment; but he
would not be persuaded to stay longer.
CHAPTER XVII
CLEM MAKES A DISCLOSURE
When Miss Peckover suggested to her affianced that their wedding
might as well take place at the registry-office, seeing that there
would then be no need to go to expense in the article of costume,
Mr.
Pages:
269
270
271
272
273
274
275
276
277
278
279
280
281
282
283
284
285
286
287
288
289
290
291
292
293